Virginia is for lovers, and for autonomous cars. The state is opening more than 70 miles of road to allow companies to test drive their self-driving cars. The highways, which are also named the "Virginia Automated Corridors," encompass some of the country's busiest roads, including portions of I-95 and I-66 in the northern part of the state.

The clogged arteries will present a challenge for Nokia, whose HERE 3D mapping system "will allow the cars to recognize their lane positioning while also providing real-time information such as traffic conditions," writes the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute is overseeing the experiment, which requires self-driving cars to undergo initial testing before they go puttering around on the highway. The cars are also required to carry a human to drive in case of a system malfunction. They have a special license plate, too.

Virginia joins four other states, including California and Michigan, in allowing self-driving cars on to public roadways. So, be careful out there! (We're talking to the robots.)

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch via Gizmodo

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