Mercedes-Benz Gets Approval to Sell Level 3 Self-Driving Cars in California

Mercedes-Benz announced Thursday it has gained approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to sell cars with Level 3 self-driving capabilities to customers in the Golden State.

The approval was granted to the company's Drive Pilot system, which allows drivers to legally take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road, but must still be available to resume control as needed. California is the second state to approve the system, following Nevada's approval in January.

Drive Pilot can only operate on designated stretches of highway during daylight hours at speeds up to 40 mph. According to Reuters, the Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego and the interstate highway connecting Southern California to Nevada are among the roads that qualify.