In the UK, self-driving car users could get immunity for certain crimes. Among them, dangerous driving, breaking 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 Automated Vehicle Act.

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

Vaccinate the 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 is driven.

The new law considers the driver as a “responsible user”. Thus, it would therefore benefit from immunity in the event of an accident derived from driving the autonomous car. However, the regulatory body and the manufacturer may be subject to sanctions. Keep in mind, however, that the driver would still be responsible for insurance, checking cargo, and using passenger seat belts.

UK Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said she hoped the report would increase public confidence in self-driving technology. According to her, this mode of transport could make daily trips safer and greener.

A complicated setup

At the moment, the available vehicles are far from allowing fully autonomous driving. In fact, in the UK there is no legal definition of “autonomous driving” technology. A definition that, however, is necessary to allow the implementation of the legal reforms proposed by the two commissions. In other words, the new law will not see the light of day until legislators have defined the technology to which it refers.

In its document, the Legal Commission also wishes to establish new guarantees. Its aim would be to prevent driver assistance features from being described as autonomous driving.