Government calls for public feedback on driverless car framework

Consultation is open until 30 June, with industry players urged to join.

The Ministry of Transport has launched a public consultation on a proposed legal and regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles (AVs), as it moves to formalise rules for their deployment.

The consultation, which began on 4 May and runs until 30 June, seeks feedback from industry players, insurers, legal professionals, unions, and the public.

It covers four areas, including defining the responsibilities of key players in the AV ecosystem, such as technology providers, fleet operators, onboard safety operators, and remote operators.

Proposed measures cover vehicle approval processes, licensing requirements, and penalties for serious breaches.

Another area is compensation and insurance, including how existing frameworks can support AV deployments while ensuring timely payouts, affordable premiums, and coverage for risks such as cyberattacks.

Meanwhile, the ministry is also seeking views on data and cybersecurity requirements, covering personal data protection, regulatory oversight, and the use of data in accident investigations.

The fourth area addresses advanced driver assistance systems and conditional automation, particularly liability issues when control shifts between human drivers and automated systems.

The review builds on lessons from the existing AV regulatory sandbox under the Road Traffic Act and international practices.