The transition to Level 3 autonomous driving is becoming more tangible as significant regulatory advancements are made globally.
After nearly three years of deliberations, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has updated Regulation No. 79, which governs steering equipment. This amendment, alongside introducing the Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS)-R157 allows Level 3 systems to operate legally in several countries.
The updated regulations are a major milestone for autonomous driving, setting the stage for the wider deployment of self-driving vehicles.
The Key Updates in UNECE Regulation No. 79 to R157
The updated regulation enables Level 3 automated driving, which allows the driver to disengage from the vehicle’s control under certain conditions. The new amendment addresses the growing interest in autonomous systems by setting clear performance-based standards for ALKS.
In practice, ALKS will operate at speeds up to 130 km/h on highways with physical barriers separating traffic in opposite directions, where pedestrians and cyclists are prohibited.
This shift from the previous 60 km/h limit is a significant development that aligns with global efforts to push for faster and safer autonomous vehicles.
Under these new guidelines, Level 3 vehicles will allow drivers to take their eyes off the road while the system manages vehicle functions. However, the driver must remain available to intervene, ensuring the system can operate safely without fully removing human oversight.
This conditional “eyes-off” driving mode is a significant leap forward compared to Level 2 systems, where drivers must always remain in control, even when assistance systems are active.
Why Germany, France, and Japan Are Leading the Way
Several countries are expected to be at the forefront of adopting Level 3 autonomous driving, with Germany, France, and Japan leading the charge.
Germany, home to leading carmakers such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, has made significant regulatory strides that will facilitate the deployment of Level 3 technology on its roads. For example, Audi planned to launch its AI Traffic Jam Pilot system as early as 2018, but regulatory hurdles delayed the rollout in Europe and the U.S. The approval of UNECE’s updated regulations now provides clearer pathways for such technologies to be approved for public use.
Similarly, Japan has made substantial progress, with Honda’s Legend model becoming the first car to receive Level 3 approval in 2021. Japan’s Road Traffic Act amendments have also supported the deployment of these systems, and the country is expected to continue to lead in autonomous driving technology.
Regulatory Differences Between UNECE and the United States
One notable divergence from the UNECE framework is the regulatory approach taken by the United States.
Unlike the UNECE’s mandatory type approval system, the U.S. relies on voluntary guidelines, giving carmakers more freedom in how they deploy autonomous driving technology. This has resulted in varying levels of progress among manufacturers. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, for instance, is still considered a Level 2 system, as it requires continuous driver oversight.
While some American automakers, like General Motors and Ford, have also expressed intentions to launch Level 3 systems, regulatory approval is still pending. The lack of a cohesive federal framework has made it challenging for companies to develop and deploy Level 3 autonomous vehicles in the US.
Why China could lead the Autonomous Driving race
China could emerge as the Top Autonomous Driving Mobility Hub due to its strong investment in innovation, infrastructure, competitive offerings of emerging players and the favourable regulation and consumer sentiment.
China benefits from fast go-to-market strategy for advancements in Automated Driving technology, strong digital infrastructure, strong investment and start-up funding, favourable regulation and positive consumer sentiment.
Development of ICVs (Intelligent Connected Vehicles) is a top priority and has hit the road with robo-taxi services.
China prioritizes the development of new Intelligent Connected Vehicles and infrastructure networks via vast investments in information-based technologies and internet communication network infrastructure; i.e. 5G, IoT, cloud computing, data centres and AI.
However, they have multiple ministries which are responsible for the supervision of Autonomous Driving. Manufacturers need greater clarity regarding who regulates what and who oversees regulation and compliance. High-tech manufacturing is heating up in China.
Safety Features and Compliance with Global Standards
To ensure safety, UNECE’s updated regulations require that vehicles equipped with ALKS systems meet stringent monitoring and cybersecurity standards. Among the key requirements are:
- Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS): These systems ensure that the driver remains alert and ready to take control if necessary. DMS typically includes eye-tracking and other sensors that detect the driver’s readiness to intervene.
- Data Storage Systems (ADAS-EDR): These systems record when the ALKS is activated, ensuring accountability in the case of accidents.
- Cybersecurity Requirements: Vehicles must adhere to the latest standards to protect against cyber threats and ensure the system is robust against hacking attempts.
Additionally, cars with ALKS systems will be required to store data about system activities, and in the event of an emergency, the system must be able to safely hand control back to the driver. These provisions are essential to manage the legal and ethical considerations surrounding autonomous driving.
Table Requirements of Automated Lane-Keeping Regulation1
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Driver Requirement | ALKS can control the vehicle when the driver is behind the wheel with their seatbelt on. No driver-less vehicles allowed. |
| 2. Driver Override | The driver can override the system and must be ready to intervene at any moment if requested by the system. |
| 3. Operational Domain | ALKS can only be activated on roads equipped with a physical separation dividing traffic, with no pedestrians or cyclists. |
| 4. Speed Limit | The operational speed of ALKS is now extended up to 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways, replacing the previous 60 km/h limit. |
| 5. Driver Monitoring | Screens for non-driving activities are automatically switched off as soon as the driver resumes control. |
| 6. Transition of Control | The regulation ensures a safe handover of driving tasks from ALKS to the driver, with the vehicle able to stop if the driver does not respond. |
| 7. Data Storage (Black Box) | Vehicles must be equipped with a Data Storage System, recording when ALKS is activated. |
| 8. Driver Availability Recognition | Manufacturers must implement systems to monitor driver’s availability to resume control, including detecting eye movement. |
| 9. Cybersecurity & Software Updates | ALKS must comply with new cybersecurity standards and requirements for regular software updates. |
| 10. Adoption by Countries | Countries like Japan, Germany, and members of the European Union will apply this regulation once it enters into force. |
The Future of Level 3 Autonomous Driving
While Level 3 systems mark a significant milestone, SAE Level 4 and 5 systems—where vehicles are entirely self-reliant—are still years away from regulatory approval. However, the continued refinement of regulations like UNECE’s will serve as the foundation for future advancements.
Manufacturers are facing engineering challenges as they work to refine these systems for wider use. Furthermore, legal frameworks in different regions need to evolve to accommodate fully autonomous vehicles, which will not require a human driver.
However, the global regulatory landscape is moving steadily in the right direction. UNECE’s updates are a crucial step in harmonizing international regulations and setting standards that manufacturers can follow. As more countries adopt similar frameworks, the transition to Level 3 autonomous driving will become more widespread, signalling the future of mobility.
Learn more about Regulation & Carmakers’ roadmaps in Auto2x’s reports
To understand the current status of autonomous vehicle deployment including the ADAS&Autonomous Driving portfolio of 30 leading brands, read our report: 30 Carmakers’ roadmaps in Automated Driving by 2025
To read more about the current state of the art of regulation read our report Regulatory guide to Autonomous Driving, Automotive Cyber Security, V2X & AI. This report analyses the regulatory landscape for the transition from Supervised to Unsupervised-Driving (SAE Level 4-5) to allow the deployment of higher levels of autonomy. Since the future is also Secure and Connected, our analysis also provides a regulatory guide on Automotive Cyber Security and V2X (V2V-V2I).
References
- https://undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=ECE%2FTRANS%2FWP.29%2F2020%2F81&Language=E&DeviceType=Desktop&LangRequested=False ↩︎
