Self-driving cars: Uber's open defiance of California shines light on brazen tactics

Intense fight with the state, ignited after cars were caught running red lights, exposed illegal and unethical tactics the company has used for years, critics say

Uber has launched an aggressive battle with California over its controversial self-driving cars, with regulators and consumer advocates accusing the corporation of flagrantly violating the law, endangering public safety and mistreating drivers.

The intense fight with the state - which ignited hours after numerous self-driving cars were caught running red lights in Uber's home town - has exposed what critics say are the unethical and illegal tactics that the company has repeatedly used to grow its business.