EXPLAINED: The 12 steps to Automation

Manufacturers must eliminate consumer confusion brought on by their system naming, information in adverts and misleading marketing material. Drivers must also receive training on how to use the system.

Automated Driving Systems should only be available in certain areas and conditions, identifiable by the Operational Design Domain.

The Automated Driving System (ADS) must drive in a manner that safely navigates the specified design domain and shows consideration and courtesy for other road users as outlined in the Highway Code.

Direct user monitoring is essential and must not rely on ‘hands on wheel’ detection alone. The system should monitor the user at all times to ensure they’re ready to take back control.

Secondary tasks should be limited to those related to the vehicle’s infotainment system. The system should not allow drivers to sleep or use mobile devices.

Automated Driving shall only be possible when certain conditions are met, including system health and driver awareness.

User monitoring must manage the user attentiveness to ensure they are ready for handover at the appropriate time.

The system must perform a controlled handover and ensure the driver has safely taken back control.

The vehicle must be equipped with emergency collision avoidance technology that can react to all foreseeable critical situations in the driving domain.

ADS must be designed, developed and maintained to minimise the vulnerabilities and the consequences of cyber intrusion.

Vehicle manufacturers must make data freely available, confirming if the ADS or the human driver was in control leading up to a collision.

Emergency collision avoidance systems must be tolerant of sensor degradation for at least 10 years. Software must also have support for 10 years.