Switzerland’s New Regulations: A Structured Beginning
The Swiss Federal Council has approved the use of automated vehicles in three situations: on highways, on sections approved by the cantons, and in designated parking areas. On highways, drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel and let the system guide the vehicle. However, they must be ready to take control at any moment if needed.
The cantons are responsible for assessing and approving compatible sections, following guidelines from the Confederation. Similarly, only specific, clearly marked parking spots will allow automated parking.
For safety, vehicles must be monitored by a remote operator who can intervene if a situation exceeds the system’s capabilities. Manufacturers are required to demonstrate that their vehicles meet stringent safety standards before they are allowed on the roads.
The Swiss government anticipates several benefits from these permissions: enhanced safety, smoother traffic flow, and significant economic opportunities for transport and logistics companies.
France: Gradually Establishing a Framework
France is moving more slowly on this issue but has made some legal adjustments. The Mobility Orientation Law adopted in 2019, supplemented by an ordinance in 2021, has allowed the use of autonomous vehicles under certain conditions since 2022. These regulations also clarify criminal responsibilities in incidents involving automated vehicles.
Currently, these systems are permitted in predefined areas, albeit rare, and mainly for experimental purposes. Manufacturers must prove that their technology is reliable and meets strict standards. While foundational elements are in place, France remains cautious, particularly regarding unsupervised uses, such as fully autonomous vehicles operated remotely.
Europe: Not Everyone is on the Same Page
The pace of adoption varies across European countries. In Germany, a law passed in 2021 also permits autonomous vehicles in specific contexts, such as public transport shuttles and company fleets. This framework is one of the most advanced in Europe.
On a broader scale, the European Union amended the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic in 2022, introducing automated driving systems
. This amendment aims to facilitate the harmonization of rules among member states, though each country retains some autonomy to set their own conditions.
The United States: A Regulatory Mosaic
In the U.S., automated driving is primarily a state matter. In the absence of a federal framework, each state sets its own rules. California, Arizona, and Texas are ahead, allowing autonomous vehicles for specific sectors, such as deliveries and autonomous taxis.
In 2022, the federal road safety agency revised its rules to allow the use of vehicles without steering wheels or pedals. This change simplifies things for manufacturers, but the array of local regulations still hinders widespread deployment.
And Elsewhere?
Several other countries around the world already permit autonomous cars, with regulatory frameworks varying by local context. In Japan, legislation allows these vehicles to operate after successful testing phases. Singapore also takes a proactive approach to this issue: the city-state has even created a mini-city dedicated to testing autonomous vehicles and established a specialized agency to oversee their integration.
One thing is certain: automated driving is slowly gaining ground worldwide. Let’s touch base again in five years to see if our next car will be steering-wheel-free!