State sets out automonous car rules

It looks like all that lobbying by Google has paid off.

The state of Nevada has finally approved regulations for the testing and operation of self-driving cars, reports CNET. They're the first state in the U.S. to do so.

Nevada's Department of Motor Vehicles worked with internet giant Google – who have been developing their own autonomous cars for the past few years – and automakers, insurance companies, and law enforcement in coming up with the regulations.

Nevada's DMW put the rules in place "in the name of improving roadway safety and economic development": they expect other states will soon follow suit.

Google has been lobbying for self-driving car regulations in Nevada for months; they've been testing several autonomous Toyota Prius-based prototypes in Las Vegas for a while, now.

When the regulations come into effect, autonomous test vehicles will be required to wear a red license plate. And when the technology goes on sale to the public – which it inevitably will – those cars will wear green licence plates.

(CNET)