74. The expert from OICA recalled document GRSG-118-27, “the table of GRSG Regulations – Review for automated driving”, presented at the 118th session of GRSG, containing a table of UN Regulations under the auspices of GRSG that may require amending as a result of the introduction of automation technologies in vehicles, in particular concerning the concept and role of the “driver”.

75. The expert from Germany highlighted the regulations listed in GRSG-118-27 that would require GRSG consideration with respect to the definition of driver in the context of vehicle automation.

76. The experts from OICA and Finland stated that in the context of vehicle automation, definition of new categories of vehicles may need to be considered within R.E.3, asserting the case of autonomous shuttles as an example.

77. The Secretary of GRVA updated GRSG on the activities of GRVA and WP.29 regarding vehicle automation, recalling the adoption by WP.29 of UN Regulations Nos. 155, 156 and 157 at its June 2020 session. He also recalled that, at the September 2020 session of GRVA, Contracting Parties submitted amendments proposal for UN Regulation No. 157 on Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS), to extend the scope to heavy vehicles, to extend the speed up to 130 km/h, and to allow lane changes. He recalled that matters related to vehicle automation should be discussed under the umbrella of the Framework document on automated/autonomous vehicles, and invited GRSG to, in the process of discussing amendments to the Framework document, provide inputs concerning vehicle categories and their precise definitions.

78. Upon review and discussion, GRSG decided to continue consideration of document GRSG-118-27, as part of the agenda of the April 2021 session of the group. The Chair of GRSG underlined that, when examining amendments to GRSG regulations, due consideration should be taken with regard to mentions of the “driver” in those regulations for the purpose of evaluating whether modifications to the definition are called for in the context of vehicle automation. He further stated that GRSG would consult WP.29/AC.2 whether the Framework document can incorporate the matter of vehicle categories as one of the priorities.