On June 9th, according to Reuters, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued the first autonomous vehicle deployment permit in California to Mercedes-Benz on Thursday, approving the use of its “Drive Pilot” driving assistance system on designated highways without driver intervention.
▲ Image source: Mercedes-Benz
According to reports, the DMV has granted a license to the Mercedes-Benz L3 level “Drive Pilot” system, which allows drivers to legally move their eyes away from the steering wheel, but must be able to intervene in control when needed. The DMV stated in the declaration that the “Drive Pilot” system can only operate on highways during the day at speeds of no more than 40 miles per hour (approximately 64.37 kilometers per hour).
▲ Image source: Mercedes-Benz
According to reports, the autonomous vehicle deployment permit issued by the DMV allows Mercedes-Benz to offer its “Drive Pilot” system on highways in the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego, as well as on interstate highways connecting Southern California and Nevada. Meanwhile, Tesla’s L2 level driving assistance system “Autopilot” is still awaiting approval from the DMV.
▲ Image source: Mercedes-Benz
According to the official website of Mercedes-Benz, the “Drive Pilot” driving assistance system is currently available as an option for the S-Class sedan and EQS electric vehicle, with an optional price of $5,000.
