According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the German automaker Mercedes-Benz has successfully completed a self-certification, allowing it to use cutting-edge autonomous driving technologies on the state’s roadways.
The manufacturer claimed that the Nevada DMV had approved its application and was currently putting the finishing touches on the certificate of conformity, which will be issued in the next two weeks.
A driver may lawfully take their eyes off the road when using a “SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving” system, but they must be ready to regain control if necessary. The system, known as DRIVE PILOT, can offer to take over driving on eligible highway stretches and in areas with heavy traffic, according to Mercedes-Benz.
Magnus Oestberg, chief software officer at Mercedes, told reporters on Thursday that the automaker must get permission from regulators in each U.S. state before allowing Level 3 driving. Once regulators give their approval, Mercedes will be able to offer limited automatic driving in all 50 states, according to the executive.
The business has submitted an application for certification in California and is hopeful that the state will soon join Nevada.
All levels of automation are permitted to operate on public streets, according to the Nevada DMV, which stated that it does not issue any permits or licences depending on an autonomous vehicle’s level of automation.
The DMV stated that it “does not test or certify automobiles” and added that “Mercedes has certified that their technology fulfils the Nevada “minimal risk condition” criteria that requires a Level 3 or above “fully autonomous” vehicle to be able to stop if there is a fault in the system.”
The manufacturer stated that the DRIVE PILOT technology “gives consumers back time so they can focus on certain secondary activities like interacting with colleagues via the in-car office, browsing the web, or unwinding while watching a movie.”
Other systems that are now in use on public roads, like Autopilot from Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) or Super Cruise from General Motors (NYSE:GM), are classified as SAE Level 2 systems. These systems manage some driving-related activities but necessitate constant driver attention.
Separately, Mercedes-Benz said that its Automatic Lane Change (ALC) feature would soon be available in North America. With the cruise control activated, the feature enables the automobile to change lanes and pass slower-moving vehicles automatically.
