UK to Hold Manufacturers Liable for Self-Driving Car Crashes in New Legal Framework

The United Kingdom is set to shift the legal liability for self-driving car accidents from the users to the manufacturers, in a move aimed at fostering the growth of the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry. King Charles announced plans to introduce an Automated Vehicles Bill as part of the government’s legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session. This new legal framework is designed to provide clarity and support for the safe development of self-driving vehicles.

In his address to lawmakers, King Charles emphasized the government’s commitment to “introduce new legal frameworks to support the safe commercial development of emerging industries, such as self-driving vehicles.” This announcement comes after a promised bill last year failed to materialize.

The delay in passing regulations governing AV technology had raised concerns among industry players, who feared that the UK might lose out on investments in AVs and see startups relocating their testing efforts to other countries. The government’s proposed bill aims to address these concerns and create a supportive environment for the AV industry while prioritizing safety and user protection.

The key feature of the bill is the shift in legal responsibility. The government explained that “while the vehicle is driving itself, a company rather than an individual will be responsible for the way it drives.

“This change means that individuals in self-driving cars will not be held accountable for the vehicle’s actions during autonomous operation. The bill will provide immunity from prosecution for users during these periods.”

Industry experts in the self-driving sector have long stressed the importance of national regulatory frameworks and clear legal liability as vital factors in gaining public trust in autonomous vehicles and enabling insurance providers to offer coverage for these vehicles.

Additionally, the legislation will establish new procedures for investigating accidents and enhancing safety protocols. It will set a defined threshold for what constitutes a self-driving car. If a vehicle falls short of this threshold, the driver will be held responsible at all times. The bill will also prohibit misleading marketing practices, preventing cars that do not meet the safety threshold from being promoted as self-driving vehicles.

In contrast to the UK’s approach, the U.S. has seen states play a leading role in testing self-driving cars. Recently, California regulators ordered General Motors’ autonomous vehicle unit, Cruise, to remove its vehicles from state roads, citing concerns about the technology’s safety and alleged misrepresentation by the company.

The introduction of the Automated Vehicles Bill in the UK signifies a significant step toward establishing a comprehensive legal framework for self-driving cars and supporting the growth of the autonomous vehicle industry in the country.