So who's responsible for paying a traffic citation in a self-driving car? Well, you could blame it on the car itself, especially when it fails to adjust its speed when the limits change. But if you're stopped by a Florida Highway Patrolman in bumper-to-bumper I-95 traffic on your way to Miami, that excuse likely isn't going to wash.
It's just one of the lessons learned by a Dragtimes.com personality during the recent test drive of the new Tesla Autopilot. He was filming a 16-minute demo of the Tesla Autopilot Model S Version 7 and headed southbound on I-95 in Florida when an FHP officer pulled him over and gave him a warning for going 75mph in a 60mph zone. Turns out there's a bit of a speed glitch in the car, which otherwise performed beautifully, whether speeding down the open road or navigating rush-hour traffic.
The officer also levied a ticket for a lack of proof of insurance. So yeah - if you're picturing yourself behind the wheel of a self-driving ride one day, you've still got to play by all the rules including being fully insured and paying attention to the speed limit signs. Blaming it on the car will do you about as much good as the "dog-ate-my-homework" excuse you tried in sixth grade. Johnny Law ain't buyin' it.
Check out the demo below and let us know what you think. Are you anxiously awaiting mainstream access to self-driving rides? Or do you prefer to keep all the power in your own hands, old school-style. Post your thoughts on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook Fan Page.
