Idaho Lawmakers Take Up Guidelines For Driverless Cars

Idaho citizens could soon be sharing the road with driverless cars.

A Senate panel considered a bill earlier this week that would allow companies to test self-driving cars on Idaho highways.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. Bert Brackett says the plan’s goal is to encourage businesses to research and develop driverless cars in Idaho.

But the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers – along with tech-giant Google – sent the panel letters saying the bill would stifle innovation.

The current bill requires that the car’s passenger be able to take control manually if something goes wrong. But business groups argue that it limits progress of the cars, some of which already don’t have pedals or a steering wheel.

The measure is currently on hold while lawmakers explore amendments to loosen its restrictions.