Computer as driver? ‘Yes’ from feds boosts self-driving cars

DETROIT – Computers that control cars of the future can be considered drivers just like humans, the federal government’s highway safety agency has decided.

The redefinition of “driver” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an important break for Google, which is developing self-driving cars that get around without steering wheels, pedals – or even the need for a person to be inside.

Though treating a computer like a driver for regulatory purposes helps Google, its cars have miles to go before they get on the road in great numbers. While the safety agency agreed with Google’s “driver” reinterpretation in a recent letter, it didn’t allow other concessions and said numerous federal rules would have to be changed to permit the cars.

Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., is testing dozens of prototypes in California, Texas and Washington.

In written requests during the past three months, Google asked the safety agency to interpret federal code in ways that would ease the path to market for its cars.

The agency agreed the car can be a driver but, in a Feb. 4 response posted on its website, also rejected the company’s claim the cars comply with many related regulations including requirements for foot or hand brakes. The government said regulations are clear and would have to be changed to allow that.

To put their cars on the road, automakers must self-certify that they meet federal safety standards and get approval from the traffic safety agency. The letter from Paul Hemmersbaugh, the highway traffic safety agency’s chief counsel, encouraged Google to apply for exemptions to the standards. It also said for some requests, the agency will have to go through the cumbersome federal rule-making process to approve the cars.

Google spokesman Johnny Luu said the company had no comment beyond that it was reviewing the agency’s response.