Self Driving Cars Highway Code Change

Highway Code to be revised to accommodate self-driving cars.

19:37 22 April 2022

Proposals have been submitted to revise the Highway Code in order to accommodate self-driving cars. 

 

If approved, the changes will see users of autonomous vehicles not being held responsible for crashes. The Department for Transport (DfT) said that insurance companies will be liable for claims in such circumstances. The DfT also confirms that drivers are allowed to watch television programmes and films on built-in screens but are still banned from using a phone when behind the wheel. 

 

Transport minister Trudy Harrison said updating the Highway Code will be a “major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles”, which she claimed will “revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable”.

 

She went on: “This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.

 

“In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower.”