The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is now making it mandatory for Google's driverless cars to be equipped with steering wheels and pedals.
The new regulations on testing have been released to make sure that a human can take control of the vehicle in case something goes wrong with the car's software, according to The Telegraph. The search giant is now unable to take its autonomous vehicles on public roads without giving drivers the ability to take "immediate control" of the car.
Google's most recent prototype of its driverless vehicle was introduced earlier this year, featuring no steering wheel or control pedals.
The DMV stated that a "natural person" has to be behind the wheel and must pay attention in case he or she is in a situation where they have to maneuver the vehicle, ValueWalk reported.
Questions have been raised about the new rules regarding who would be responsible for accidents and moving violations, and Google said it would accept responsibility in these scenarios.
The prototype for the driverless cars currently only features a red "Stop" button for emergencies, International Business Times reported.
The DMV's new rules will go into effect on Sept. 16.
"We want to take baby steps in terms of testing and how technology is rolled out so we are capable of handling it and Californians accept it," said Bernard Soriano, the DMV's top official.
Google said it will comply with the rules and install a "small, temporary steering wheel and pedal system" in their cars, according to The Telegraph. The changes will be applied to 100 prototype vehicles, which are restricted to a speed of 25 miles per hour.
"With these additions, our safety drivers can test the self-driving features, while having the ability to take control of the vehicle if necessary," said Courtney Hohne, spokeswoman for Google.
The company added that it will start its tests on private roads in September, with the goal being to start running tests on public roads in two years.
