Translated with AI
The United Nations has unveiled a global set of rules aimed at ensuring the safe deployment of fully autonomous vehicles. The draft Global Regulations on Automated Driving Systems was developed after ten years of technological preparation and two years of intensive international consultations, according to the UN press service.
As noted, ten years ago, many experts predicted that driverless cars would become commonplace on the roads by 2020. However, despite significant technological advances, the introduction of such vehicles required extensive research, development, and the development of a clear and robust regulatory framework.
The draft regulation was approved by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's Working Party on Automated, Autonomous, and Connected Vehicles at a meeting held from January 19 to 23. The document establishes uniform safety requirements and a unified methodology for testing vehicles equipped with automated driving systems, and allows for the introduction of fully autonomous vehicles that do not require driver supervision.
UNECE Executive Secretary Tatyana Molchan stated that the completion of the project demonstrates the global significance of regulatory platforms developed at the UN. According to her, harmonized rules developed within the UNECE framework are necessary to prevent the fragmentation of national approaches, maximize economic efficiency, and support safety and innovation in the automotive industry.
Working Group Chair Richard Damm noted that safety, innovation, and public trust can advance simultaneously. He emphasized that working at a global level provides clarity for the industry and confidence for consumers.
The draft regulation is reported to be based on the 2022 Framework Document on Automated Vehicles, which defines key safety and security principles, as well as on the recommendations on requirements, assessment and test methods for automated driving systems, adopted in June 2024.
The document will be submitted to the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. It is expected to be reviewed and adopted at the next session of the forum, which will be held from 23 to 26 June 2026. If approved, the regulation will enter into force immediately.
It is noted that at the end of January, the US Department of Transportation published an official list of questions on the draft regulation with the aim of formulating a national position for the June vote. China announced its intention to develop a national standard based on the structure of the global regulation and begin collecting comments. Japan expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and welcomed the results achieved. Several European countries also supported the creation of global regulation in the field of autonomous vehicles.
