A California bill wants every driver to be ticketed for traffic violations, especially if that driver is an AI-powered robot. Under Assembly Bill 2193, manufacturers of certain levels of autonomous vehicle technology would be cited for moving violations committed by their driverless vehicles, according to the bill’s text. Even if someone is seated behind the wheel, the manufacturer could be responsible for the citation if autonomous technology is engaged, depending on the level of automation.
The bill was authored by Assemblymember Tri Ta, R-Westminster, and co-authored by Assemblymember Laurie Davies, R-Laguna Niguel, vice chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. It was introduced in mid-February and passed the Assembly Transportation Committee on April 6 and the Communications and Conveyance Committee on April 15. It is expected to be heard in the Appropriations Committee later this month. AB 2193 is part of a broader set of proposals introduced this year aimed at establishing clearer rules for autonomous vehicle operations in California. At a March state Senate Transportation Committee hearing, lawmakers heard from a crash victim, law enforcement and fire officials, an industry representative, researchers and regulators. The discussion focused on how regulation has lagged behind rapidly evolving technology, as well as incidents involving autonomous vehicles, including stopping in the middle of crime scenes. Another proposal, Senate Bill 1246, would revise state law to require remote operators of autonomous vehicles to be located in the United States and hold a valid California driver’s license. SB 1315 would require automakers to notify the Department of Insurance and insurers of autonomous software updates.
Read the Full Article: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/california/article315410968.html