New York opens way for self-driving cars testing

New York state is about to change a law about drivers having to keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times, so as to allow the testing of self-driving cars, writes Brian Byrne.

The legislation is ready for the state governor’s signature, and will afterwards bring New York into line with a number of other states — including California and Arizona — to allow such testing on public roads.

The change is only for so-called self-driving vehicles, though, as the law on a hand on the wheel will remain for drivers of normal cars.

The testing period will last for a year until April 2018.