Uber Begins Testing Autonomous Vehicles on San Francisco Roads

Uber recently began testing a fleet of self-driving cars on the streets of San Francisco, a big step in the development of the company’s autonomous technology. But the ridesharing service could face backlash from state regulators who say the company is side-stepping proper permits.

Earlier this year, Uber started testing its self-driving technology in Pittsburgh where its Advanced Technology Center is located. Uber customers using the UberX service are able to hail the autonomous test vehicles, which must be attended by a technician in the driver’s seat at all times to take control of the car if needed.

The San Francisco program is similar and employs Volvo XC90 crossovers. That said, the California Department of Motor Vehicles denounced the move, stating Uber lacks a permit to test autonomous vehicles on public roads, Automotive News reports.

“Twenty manufacturers have already obtained permits to test hundreds of cars on California roads,” the California DMV said in a statement. “Uber shall do the same.”

Uber disagrees and says it’s following the law because its vehicles are unable to operate unless a driver is present at all times. According to AN, California law defines autonomous cars as vehicles capable of driving “without the active physical control or monitoring of a natural person.”

Uber released its own statement to point out that it’s currently testing autonomous technologies in other cities without any issue.

“Several cities and states have recognized that complex rules and requirements could have the unintended consequence of slowing innovation. Pittsburgh, Arizona, Nevada and Florida in particular have been leaders in this way, and by doing so have made clear that they are more pro technology,” Uber said in a statement. “Our hope is that California, our home state and a leader in much of the world’s dynamism, will take a similar view.”

Source: Uber, Automotive News (Subscription required)

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