Michigan Bill Would Be First to Allow Cars to Drive Without Humans

A state legislation package is aiming to clear hurdles obstructing the development of autonomous vehicles.

1 minute read

June 3, 2016, 12:00 PM PDT

By rbregoff


Self-Driving Car

RioPatuca / Shutterstock

"Michigan, faced with a possible competition with Silicon Valley for the future of the automotive industry, is now considering legislation that would make it the first state to formally legalize driverless cars," reports Gov Tech's Future Structure.

"The legislation, Senate Bill 995, explicitly allows for autonomous vehicles capable of driving without a human operator. The bill also legalizes platooning — a technology allowing vehicles to travel very closely together — and establishes a 'Council on Future Mobility' that would make policy recommendations to help the state prepare for self-driving cars."

Future structure has also posted several related articles:

On a related note, "Gov. Rick Snyder announced a new branding campaign Wednesday — dubbed Planet M — to promote Michigan as the world’s center for innovative transportation and mobility research of the future," according to a separate article by John Gallagher.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 in GOV TECH - FUTURE STRUCTURE

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog