30. The representative of France, Co-Chair of the Task Force (TF) on the Fitness for ADS of GRVA Regulations and Global Technical Regulations (FADS), presented the status report of the Group (GRVA-17-29). He detailed the context and the purpose of the work done, he introduced the final report of the first phase of activities, (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2023/18). He detailed the proposed next phases for the group.

31. The representative of Japan inquired why the group proposed to start amending UN Regulations Nos. 13, 13-H and 79 for dual mode vehicles, as it had not been needed for ALKS.

32. The representative of the United States of America recalled that the purpose of the group, in its first phase, was to identify the obstacles in UN Global Technical Regulations (GTRs) and UN Regulations for ADS and that the purpose of the second phase would be to remove these obstacles. He recalled that the IWG on FRAV did not provide a definition for dual mode vehicles.

33. The representative of ITU clarified that dual modes vehicles were vehicles with the possibility for Transition of Control (ToC).

34. The representative of France mentioned that vehicles equipped with an Automated Valet Parking feature would also be understood as dual mode vehicles.

35. The representatives of Canada and the United States of America cautioned on the use of the term dual mode.

36. GRVA recalled that the term was used in the guidance provided in informal document GRVA-14-54/Rev.1 when these activities were initiated, but was indeed not part of the guidelines and regulations under the scope of GRVA.

37. GRVA agreed that the TF on FADS would prioritize its activities by reviewing UN Regulations Nos. 13-H, 13 and 79, focusing on vehicles equipped both with an ADS and normal equipment for manual driving.

38. GRVA endorsed the report of the group (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2023/18).

39. The representative of OICA recalled the purpose of informal document GRVA-16-47 presented in May 2023. He introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2023/28 (amended by informal document GRVA-17-37), with a detailed amendment proposal of the vehicle categories introducing subcategories for ADS. He proposed that GRVA and the Working Party on General Safety provisions (GRSG) organize a joint workshop to support the finalization of this workstream.

40. Several delegations welcomed the proposal for ADS subcategories but also noted the high number of subcategories proposed. They highlighted the need to focus not only on technical needs under WP.29 but also on the administrative interactions outside of WP.29’s scope.

41. GRVA noted the rules applicable for amending the Special Resolution No. 1 (S.R.1) but agreed that documents can be produced, also by NGOs, for discussion. GRVA welcomed the idea proposed by OICA to organize a joint event with the Working Party on General Safety provisions (GRSG). GRVA supported OICA’s idea to present the document to GRSG at its next session.