Michigan Okays Privately Owned Self-Driving Cars on Public Roads

Michigan has become the first state in the U.S. to allow the general use of self-driving vehicles on public roads.

The new law, which was signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday, goes beyond on-road testing of autonomous vehicles with backup drivers on board. It permits driverless shuttles and automated vehicles that lack steering wheels or pedal controls. It clears the way for driverless on-demand vehicles operated by such companies as Lyft and Uber.

The measure also permits tested and certified self-driving vehicles to be sold to and operated by the general public. The legislation was developed with input and strong support from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, General Motors, Google, Lyft, Toyota and Uber.

Michigan’s new law significantly expands a state law passed in 2013 that has allowed developers to test autonomous vehicles on public roads. Six other states and Washington, D.C., have similar versions of the earlier law.

Snyder says Michigan statute is designed to create an environment that enables rapid but safe innovation. The law also elevates Michigan’s stature as a favored test-state for autonomous technologies.

The law also creates the Michigan Council on Future Mobility—an advisory group to the state’s Dept. of Transportation—to recommend policies that lead to industrywide performance and safety standards for autonomous vehicles.