Breaking the law on the roads may become more difficult in the near future, as a recent patent request by Ford Motors revealed plans for an autonomous police vehicle.
The car will be able to track and trace traffic and road rule violations, digitally handing out fines without even having to stop the driver.
Ford's patent indicates that the vehicle will not require an officer behind the wheel at all.
For this to work, the car would require level four automation, which would allow it to monitor traffic and use live data to determine whether to initiate a pursuit.
The technology used in the police car would also tap into wireless sensors around major cities and compile evidence in real time.
Questions have already been asked of this technology, not just around its functionality but as to whether autonomous vehicles can apply police discretion.