Google’s driverless car gets licence in Nevada
The Google logo at the company’s Mountainview, California headquarters.
Nevada has become the first state in the United States to issue a driving licence for a self-driving vehicle, with California-based multinational Google securing approval for its modified Toyota Prius on Monday.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Google’s car uses video cameras, lasers and radar sensors to detect other traffic.
It was designed by Sebastian Thrun, a professor at Stanford University and vice-president at Google, and a trial vehicle has already covered 140,000 miles in road-tests in California.
Bruce Breslow, director of Nevada's Department of Motor Vehicles, told The Daily Mail the car "gets honked at more often because it's being safe."
More from GlobalPost: Chinese cars, made in Bulgaria
Nevada changed its law to allow self-driven cars in March, the BBC reports, with the long-term aim of granting members of the public licenses to drive such vehicles.
Google’s car has been issued with a red licence plate to make it recognisable, but other car firms are also seeking self-driven car licences in the state.
Last month General Motors revealed it has been working on a self-driving “cruise control plus” model for its Cadillac brand, according to TIME.
More from GlobalPost: Can Ford and GM catch up in India?
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.