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WP.29 Discussion Topic
To one degree or another, automated driving technologies take over functions previously assured entirely by the driver. At one level, driver assistance systems aid the driver in controlling the vehicle. However, technologies have advanced to the point where automated systems propose to replace the driver in controlling various aspects of vehicle behavior. For example, lane-keeping assistance systems propose to intervene in the steering of the vehicle in order to maintain the vehicle within a lane of travel. At the furthest point in the spectrum, autonomous vehicles propose to assume full responsibility for vehicle behavior without any driver intervention. As a result, such technologies undermine the fundamental assumption that the driver is responsible for the vehicle and thus present the regulatory community with a host of unprecedented opportunities and challenges in ensuring road safety. WP.29 has undertaken to address these issues on a global basis in order to seek uniform worldwide responses that will promote the use of these technologies while ensuring their safe introduction into road traffic.
1759 Documents (Latest posted on 1 Dec 2023)
Related Meetings : World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations | Session 162
World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations | Session 162 | 11-14 Mar 2014
Documentation Discussion/Report

107. The representative of OICA introduced WP.29-162-20 proposing a classification system with six levels of automation in vehicles. He highlighted the importance of harmonizing such a classification system and the related definitions at an international level. The secretariat indicated that the OICA proposal included an additional definition of step of autonomy compared with the NHTSA classification system presented in November 2013 (WP.29-161-18). The representative of Germany underlined the importance of the harmonization of legal frameworks for future vehicle automation. He added that WP.29-162-20 focused on the role of the driver. He was of the opinion that, from a legal perspective, the World Forum should concentrate on the performance requirements of automated vehicles. The representative of Japan affirmed the necessity to also take into account the driver’s role. He announced a presentation, at the next meeting of the ITS IWG, with only two types of automation –with the driver “in the loop” or “out of the loop”. The representative of the United Kingdom noted the challenges remaining on the transition between autonomous driving and the driver resuming control of the vehicle. However, he emphasized that a classification system and the corresponding definitions should first be established.