Significant Regulatory Changes Regarding Autonomous Driving

The legal framework in France is developing ahead of the autonomous car technologies that are currently in use.

FREMONT, CA: The usage of autonomous driving at levels 1 and 2 (out of 5) driving assistance provided by an AI but with the driver maintaining control of the vehicle is already legal in France However, the level 3 autonomous driving authorisation's entry into effect makes an exception to the highway code by permitting the driver to momentarily relinquish control of his car.

When driving at a speed of no more than 60 km/h, a vehicle can conduct some movements on its own on a two-lane road with a central median. From a legal standpoint, this indicates that the driver no longer bears responsibility for accidents brought by car in the case that Level 3 autonomous driving software is employed as intended. If the equipment is activated, the vehicle maker is held legally responsible in this situation.

However, this regulatory change does not mean that vehicles will start carving out isolated niches in the middle of cities tomorrow. Indeed, France has not yet homologated any Level 3 autonomous driving technology. The Tesla Autopilot's Full Self Driving Feature is not level 3 homologated in France. The S-Class and the EQS, two Mercedes, received the first Level 3 autonomous driving homologation in Europe in Germany. So they can deploy this technology on the Rhine-crossing roadways.

But in this case, discussing a 5,000–7,000 Euro option for cars with a 110,000 euro starting price. Autonomous vehicles are not yet widely used on German and, even more so, French roadways.