Self-Driving Vehicles Get a Taste of Califorina Love

California has issued a total of 29 permits allowing companies to test self-driving cars on state roads under newly-established rules in the first week of their implementation.

The permits went to three companies this week, of which the first belongs to Audi. California’s Department of Motor Vehicles gave the four-ring brand two permits to test self-driving cars, the same number of certificates it issued to Mercedes-Benz. But the lion’s share – 25 permits to be exact – went to the king of Mountain View: Google. The tech giant is currently testing its autonomous vehicle technology in adapted Lexus SUVs because it doesn’t manufacture vehicles.

SEE ALSO: Audi Gets First Self-Driving Car Permit in California

Reuters reports that there are still more companies applying for permits including other vehicle manufacturers along with top-tier suppliers. Autonomous car testing isn’t new in California, but last May the Sunshine State announced that it would make new rules regulating how driverless cars are tested on public roads. Florida, Michigan and Nevada also currently allow autonomous vehicle testing on public infrastructure.

[Source: Automotive News]