Japan Changing Laws To Allow Drivers Of Autonomous Cars To Eat, Read While Driving

While the world still argues about the pros and cons of driverless cars, Japan has gone a step ahead and provided a shining example of how to embrace such a technology. The rules around autonomous cars in the country have now been revised, allowing more freedom to those behind the wheel of such self-driven cars.

The new law passed by Japan on Tuesday will allow drivers of autonomous cars in certain situations to use their smartphones, read a book, eat their lunch and even use a laptop. Freedom of such actions, however, will be restricted to certain situations, like being stuck in a traffic jam.

The important condition is the fact that the vehicle should be able to drive itself in the situation, while the driver should be able to switch to manual immediately as the demand springs up.

ZMP's RoboCar in Toky, Japan (Image: Reuters)

Also read: All The Questions About Autonomous Cars You Wanted Answers To But Didn't Know Who To Ask

The order was published on the website of Japan¡¯s lower house on Tuesday and will be brought into effect from next year. The application has been scheduled for around the time of Tokyo Olympics, which are due to take place in the country next year from July to August.

What is certain is the fact that Japan will be showcasing its technological advancement on all fronts during the world event. Autonomous technology and its practical application is still pretty much restricted to pocketed regions around the globe and now with Japan being one of them (in time) the country will be at a position to attract a lot of interest around its autonomous industry and market thereof.