Switzerland: Amendment to the Federal Road Traffic Act including automated driving was adopted by the National Council

On 17 March 2023, the National Council adopted amendments to the Road Traffic Act aimed at promoting environmentally friendly technologies and digital transformation in road traffic. The amendment establishes regulations for vehicles equipped with automation systems, defining their capabilities and the conditions for driver exemption. The Federal Council will determine the conditions under which driverless vehicles may be used on designated routes and the conditions under which small, low-speed autonomous vehicles may be used without predefined routes. Vehicles with automation systems must be equipped with a secure and non-deactivatable driving mode recorder that logs critical events and ensures data integrity, with specific provisions for access by authorities and relevant stakeholders. The Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) is authorised to approve and supervise time-limited trials of automated vehicles, including those without a driver.