In the UK, users of self-driving cars could be granted immunity for certain offences.

Among them, dangerous driving, non-respect of speed limits and crossing red lights.

A new law

In a joint report published this week, the Law Commission for England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission recommend the introduction of a new law on automated vehicles.

“We have an unprecedented opportunity to promote public acceptance of automated vehicles through our recommendations on safety assurance and to clarify legal liability,” said UK Public Law Commissioner Nicholas Paines.

Immunize drivers

Clearly, with this new law, when a regulatory agency allows a car to be equipped with self-driving features, the person behind the wheel will no longer be responsible for how the vehicle drives.

The new law regards the driver as a “responsible user”.

Thus, he would therefore benefit from immunity in the event of an accident resulting from the driving of the autonomous car.

However, the regulatory body and the manufacturer may be subject to sanctions.

Note, however, that the driver would remain responsible for insurance, checking the load and wearing seat belts by passengers.

UK Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said she hoped the report would boost public confidence in self-driving technology.

According to her, this mode of transport could make daily travel safer and more ecological.

A complicated setup

At the moment, the vehicles available are far from allowing full autonomous driving.

In fact, in the UK, there is no legal definition of “autonomous driving” technology.

A definition that is nevertheless necessary to allow the legal reforms proposed by the two commissions to be implemented.

In other words, new law will not see the light of day until the legislators have defined the technology it concerns.

In its document, the Law Commission also wishes to put in place new guarantees.

Their aim would be to prevent driver assistance functions from being described as autonomous driving.

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Autonomous cars: Highway code, liability in the event of an accident… All about the new rules

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