Germany Mulls Mandatory Black Box for Autonomous Cars

Tesla isn't the only manufacturer with 'autonomous driving' technology in its arsenal - scores of automakers are working tirelessly on their own variation of autonomous technology, including German giants Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt's proposal stipulates that though drivers don't have to concentrate on the road or pay attention to steering, they must remain seated at the wheel so they can intervene in the event of an emergency. Additionally, manufacturers will be required to install a black box that will record the following:

a. When the autopilot system was engaged

b. When the driver drove

c. When the system requested that the driver take over

The proposed legislation is currently a draft that will be sent to other ministries in the country for approval later this summer. Though it can't be guaranteed if the proposal will make the transition into law, but it does set an example for authorities across the globe that are looking at means to regulate autonomous technology.

(With inputs from Reuters)