Uber Stops Autonomous Ride-Share Venture After California DMV Action
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Uber Technologies Inc. has removed its self-driving cars from San Francisco streets after California regulators cracked down on the week-old program because the company had not obtained a permit to test the vehicles. The California Department of Motor Vehicles said it revoked the registration of 16 Uber self-driving cars after a battle with the ride-services company. The agency had demanded that Uber comply with regulations requiring a permit to test self-driving cars on public roads – just as 20 other auto and technology companies have done.
Uber said it was not obligated to have a permit because its vehicles require monitoring by a person in the car.
California defines autonomous vehicles as having the capability to drive "without the active physical control or monitoring of a natural person."
Uber has argued that its cars are not able to drive without a person monitoring them – a driver and an engineer are in the front seats to take over frequently in situations such as a construction zone or pedestrian crossing – so the law does not apply.
Uber’s defiance was met with threats of legal action from the DMV and the state attorney general.
Uber said it was not obligated to have a permit because its vehicles require monitoring by a person in the car.
California defines autonomous vehicles as having the capability to drive "without the active physical control or monitoring of a natural person."
Uber has argued that its cars are not able to drive without a person monitoring them – a driver and an engineer are in the front seats to take over frequently in situations such as a construction zone or pedestrian crossing – so the law does not apply.
Uber’s defiance was met with threats of legal action from the DMV and the state attorney general.
