California cannot fine self-driving cars, since they do not have a driver behind the wheel!
The richest state in the USA is also a promised land for autonomous vehicles, where they have been authorized to drive on public roads for several years already. But if the Golden State is particularly open to initiatives in the field, to the point of having authorized autonomous taxis to operate 24 hours a day, it also has to face certain unexpected backlashes.
In California, no fine for a vehicle on the road
In California, it is not uncommon to see autonomous vehicles from several big names in the sector, such as Waymo or Cruise. It must be said that the State is always at the forefront of technological developments, for better… and for worse. Because these vehicles on the roads also pose a legal problem.
Indeed, according to an internal memo from the San Francisco police spotted by NBC, “ no traffic ticket can be issued if the [véhicule autonome] is used in driverless mode. » In fact, the only case where such a vehicle can receive a fine is when it is stopped (for example for prohibited parking).
Texas and Arizona are already ready
California does not currently seem legally equipped to deal with this problem. As summarized by lawyer Michael Stephenson interviewed for the occasion by NBC News in order to discuss the Californian case: “ When it comes to driverless cars, we’re in the Wild West. »
The authorities of this western American state can look towards some of their neighbors, who have already adapted to technological change. Texas therefore plans to fine the owner of an autonomous vehicle in the event of an infraction, even if he was not driving at the time of the offense. And Arizona goes even further, since on its territory, operators of autonomous vehicles can also be held responsible for violations of their cars.
Source : NBC News, The Register
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