Michigan's Self-Driving Dream Is Now Just a Vote Away

If the House approves it, Michigan will become the first state to allow autonomous vehicles to drive on certain public roads, at any time, for any purpose.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the state Senate has unanimously approved four bills aimed at making Michigan the self-driving mecca of the U.S., giving consent for autonomous vehicles to operate on 122 miles of public roads, not just on closed courses during pilot projects.

After the 36-0 vote in the Senate, the bills move to the House for consideration. Automakers and tech developers have their fingers crossed, as they plan to turn the state into a proving ground for what they hope is the future of driving.

Lawmakers seem to share the same view. Sen. Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth), speaking to the Detroit Free Press, compared the legislation and burgeoning industry to the Cold War-era space race.

Naturally, the legislation is worded to protect the state’s automakers. Senate Bills 995 and 996 allow “on-demand automated motor vehicle networks,” but only if it involves a recognized automaker. That leaves Ford, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors in the clear, but keeps the likes of Google, Apple and other players out.

Ford and GM have their own autonomous vehicle operations in Michigan, while FCA has partnered with Google on a fleet of 100 self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivans. Top Japanese automakers have collaborated with Ford and GM on the University of Michigan’s Mobility Transformation Center and its Mcity testing facility.

The legislation, if passed by the House, would benefit the fledgling American Center for Mobility and its goal of turning the Willow Run airport into a self-driving tech hub.

On the safety front, one of the bills targets hackers, making it clear that anyone caught accessing or tampering with a self-driving vehicle’s electronic control systems will face serious consequences, including the potential for life in prison.

[Image: Volvo]