Autonomous cars can now be tested on roads in California — without backup drivers — thanks to new rules approved by state regulators.
Previously, companies could only test vehicles if they had a driver ready to take the wheel if anything went wrong.
Critics said autonomous vehicles haven't been proven safe enough to be on the roads without backup drivers. The new rules do say that there has to be remote monitoring at all times, so if anything does go wrong, someone can virtually take over the wheel.
The new regulations go into effect April 2.
