Germany plans to include ‘black boxes’ in for autonomous cars to help determine responsibility in the event of an accident.
In-car hardware could record the ‘driving’ of the on-board computer whenever the autopilot mode of a car is active.
Such an inclusion could mitigate concerns following the death of a Tesla Model S driver after his car failed to recognise a white truck against the bright sky.
Tesla has always maintained that drivers using the autopilot function should be immediately ready to take over in the event of an emergency.
Another of its electric cars was involved in a crash recently with the autopilot function enabled.
Reuters cited sources within the transport ministry in claiming that new legislation is being prepared following a proposal from transport minister Alexander Dobrindt which also called for ‘drivers’ to be legally-bound to be present at the wheel and prepared to take control.
The draft is due to be sent to other ministries for approval this summer, according to the news agency.
The BBC said it had been told by the ministry itself that the draft had not yet been finalised.
Chancellor Angela Merkel has courted firms who are developing self-driving car technology while Germany is home to automotive giants such as BMW, Audi and Volkswagen.
Jaguar Land Rover is to test self-driving cars in the UK this year.