Germany: German Parliament passes law on autonomous driving

The German law on autonomous driving is passed by the German parliament. It amends the road traffic law to provide a legal framework for autonomous motor vehicles of SAE Level 4 to drive in regular operation on public roads within defined operating areas. So far, only cars with an SAE level 3 (driving assistance) were allowed. SAE level 4 refers to "high driving automation" which means a driver will no longer be required, whereby the application is restricted to good driving conditions (comprehensive autonomous driving, regardless of the driving conditions, qualifies as SAE level 5). The regulation includes technical requirements for the construction, condition and equipment of motor vehicles with autonomous driving functions (§ 1e(2)), which are to be fulfilled in order to receive an operating license (§ 1e(4)). Further, obligations with regards to persons involved in the operation of autonomous motor vehicles as well as data protection regulations are stated.