CCJ Digital, 12-27-2016 -- Earlier this month, Michigan okayed a bill that allows companies to test self-driving cars on public state roads.

Currently, eight states have some form of autonomous regulation on the books, however, Michigan’s rule – which allows for the testing vehicles not equipped with steering wheels, pedals or humans – put the state among the most autonomous friendly in the nation.

“That package of legislation was a great example is getting the government out of the way,” says Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle. “We’re going to be the place that helps to redefine mobility for the future.”

Michigan’s package of bills also allows for automated vehicle platoons, where vehicles travel together at electronically coordinated speeds. But while driverless passenger cars seemingly have free reign of the roads, humans are required for testing of self-driving tractor-trailers.

With much of the restrictions lifted from the state’s roadways, General Motors (GM) Chairman and CEO Mary Barra says the metro Detroit-area will serve as the company’s primary cold weather and winter testing grounds for autonomous technology.

“GM will immediately begin autonomous vehicle testing on public roads in Michigan,” she says, noting GM is currently testing more than 40 autonomous vehicles in Scottsdale, Ariz., and San Francisco.

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