[jnosCo]

Everyone seems to be overlooking the fact that using an autonomous car as a cab would be illegal. Current permits are rather specific about having an manufacturer's employee behind the wheel at all times. I'm not an expert, but I wouldn't expect any state to lighten up the requirement of at least having someone behind a wheel for the foreseeable future. I think most patrons of Uber don't really want to be sitting behind the wheel.

[jastanton]

"I think most patrons of Uber don't really want to be sitting behind the wheel." - if the vehicle was self driving, then absolutely.

I can imagine a scenario of 24/7 tech support VC'ing at the push of a help button or if Google notices the car has malfunctioned.

Getting the laws changed will take time. When presented as a n option will it be in demand? You bet!

[oaktowner]

This generation of cars doesn't have a "wheel" at all -- there is literally no steering wheel and no way for a human to operate it.

So legislation will clearly need to change before these are street legal.