A new section for self-driving vehicles has been added to the Highway Code

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has emailed me:

From today (1 July) new rules on the use of self-driving vehicles in Great Britain have come into force. The changes are included in a new section in The Highway Code which can be accessed for free on GOV.UK.

Currently only vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems are available in the UK.

No vehicles in Great Britain have been classed as self-driving yet but they could start to be as soon as next year. Any that are classed as self-driving will be listed on GOV.UK.

The changes to the Code will help ensure the new technology will be used safely, explaining clearly that while travelling in self-driving mode, motorists must be ready to resume control in a timely way if they are prompted to – such as when they approach motorway exits. It also includes details about appropriate insurance needed for self-driving cars.

The plans also include a change to current regulation, allowing drivers to view content which is not related to driving on built-in display screens, while the self-driving vehicle is in control.

It will however, still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, given the greater risk they pose in distracting drivers as shown in research.

The government is working with the manufacturer, retailer and leasing industries to ensure that anyone accessing a self-driving vehicle will receive advice on how to use it.

Self-driving vehicles will be coming to service stations and supermarkets near you … soon … :astonished:

When travelling in your car, do not be distracted by the sight of drivers around you watching “telly” in their cars and not “the road” … :scream:

Accidents in the making,an absolute stupid idea imo, especially on mototways.
Dh and i see drivers using their phones AND watching mini tv`s on a regular basis.

I think spittie should be aware of this he does a lot of self-driving - he’s driving himself ??? well you know what I mean?

Let’s hope these driverless cars can read!

Just had a thought.
If you had a driverless car, and someone in front pulled out right in front of you without signalling, it would be instinct to slam on your brakes, wouldn’t it. So does a driverless car do this for you, and would you just sit there, without reacting, and trust you’re going to be alive and safe?

Secondly, if a driverless car caused a motorway accident, who is to blame?

Exactly. Why I am dead set against them.

I think a driverless car is beyond ridiculous, to be honest. Just because something can be done, doesn’t mean it should be…

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Trucks and buses will be next but maybe not motorcycles … :thinking:

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I heard that the subways up here were driverless. I haven’t been on one recently to check, but apparently there is a “driver” on board to reassure everyone, but he doesn’t actually drive the subway…its all automatic and he just collects and checks tickets :astonished:

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The “driver” will be automated eventually … :robot:

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