New York: Now Accepting Applications For Self Driving Cars

Added to list of US states where autonomous self driving cars could soon be navigating the streets.

Current Governor  of New York, Andrew Cuomo, has announced that the New York Department of Motor Vehicles is now taking applications from companies that wish to test self-driving tech on the state’s public roads.

Car companies who want to participate will have to put their foot down though to get in on the act. The test-bed permits will end on April 1st, 2018.

“We need to make sure these vehicles are safely tested on our roads, while providing opportunities for the public to become familiar with this technology,” DMV executive deputy commissioner Terri Egan said, sounding somewhat cautious about the idea of letting driverless cars onto roads in the state.

Personally, I’m actually quite partial to a little place called Harrisburg, in PA, but I like NY. Grand Central station, is something to behold, and I encourage you to visit at least once in your life.

Hefty $$$ insurance premiums

Aside from having to meet the usual safety standards and stringent requirements from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), companies such as Google, GM, Uber, and Waymo will need to cover each individual vehicle they put on the road with a $5,000,000 insurance policy. Each vehicle will also have to have an actual driver behind the wheel, just in case. Self driving vehicles will not be allowed near schools or construction zones. Additionally, companies will, as part of the license agreement, have to submit in depth reports on their findings.

Because it’s New York, and that’s the only reason anyone needs

At the time of writing, it isn’t clear yet if companies like Uber or Google will actually be applying to participate. But New York seems confident that they will have no shortage of applicants. Part of the reason for that is that New York features variable weather, harsh winters and dense urban environments. Perhaps most important though, is the fact, that it is simply, New York. That in itself, is reason enough for car and tech companies to take a bite out of the big apple.  Because: New York.