Michigan approves autonomous vehicle testing

Michigan has become the fourth state — joining California, Florida and Nevada – to OK autonomous vehicle testing on public roads. The measure was approved by Michigan’s state legislature and is now awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Snyder.

According to the proposed regulations, vehicle manufacturers will be able to test self-driving vehicles on Michigan’s public roads, but a human will need to be at the wheel at all times in the event of an emergency. Michigan’s rules will also allow autonomous vehicle “upfitters” like Google to test on the state’s roadways, according to The Detroit News.

Autonomous vehicles will be marked by an “M” on their license plate.

Virtually every automaker is racing to developing self-driving tech, with Nissan planning to launch its first autonomous vehicle by 2020. Companies like tech giant Google and industry supplier Continental are also getting in on the action.

In addition to helping advance the development of autonomous technology, the new rules should also give the Michigan economy a boost as companies move some of their R&D projects to the state.