Ten years ago, many experts predicted that driverless cars would become commonplace on the roads by 2020. The UN introduced a global set of rules for the safe implementation of driverless cars Economic development
Ten years ago, many experts predicted that driverless cars would become a common sight on the roads by 2020. However, despite impressive technological progress, the task has proven more difficult than expected, requiring extensive research and development, as well as the establishment of a clear and robust regulatory framework.
The draft Global Regulation on Automated Driving Systems (ADS) was presented after a decade of technological preparation and two years of intensive consultation. It will make it possible to put fully autonomous vehicles on the road that do not require driver control.
The regulation, approved by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Working Group on Automated, Autonomous and Connected Vehicles at a meeting on January 19-23, establishes uniform safety requirements and a unified methodology for checking vehicles equipped with DIA.
“The completion of the project demonstrates the global significance of regulatory platforms prepared at the UN. Harmonized rules developed across the ECE are needed to prevent fragmentation of national approaches, maximize savings, and support safety and innovation in the automotive industry,” said UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molchan.
“Safety, innovation and public trust can develop simultaneously. By working at a global level, we provide clarity for the industry and reassurance for consumers,” said Richard Damm, Chairman of the Working Group.
Next steps
The draft regulation builds on the Automated Vehicles Framework Document 2022, which sets out key principles for safety and security, as well as recommendations on requirements, assessments and test methods for DIA, adopted in June 2024.
The document will be presented to the UNECE World Forum on the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. It is expected to be adopted at the next session, which will be held June 23–26, 2026. If approved by the World Forum, the regulations will come into force immediately.
The path to global implementation
At the end of January, the US Department of Transportation published an official list of questions on the draft regulation to form an official position for the June voting.
China also said it would prepare a national standard based on the structure of the global regulation and begin collecting comments. Japan expressed satisfaction with the process and welcomed the result achieved. Several European countries have also supported the creation of global regulation.