Autonomous cars: Autonomous level 3 driving now authorized in France

Since September 1, 2022, it is in theory possible to drive an autonomous car in France. However, the legal framework leads to certain reluctance among manufacturers. What are the different autonomous behaviors ? Under what conditions can we activate the Pilot auto mode ? Answers in this article !

Autonomous car Level 3

Since September 1, 2022, it is possible to ride by activating an autonomous driving system allowing the steering wheel to be released.

If since July 14, 2022, independent level 3 is possible in the countries of the European Union, it was still to be confirmed at national level for each country. It’s been done since September 1 in France.

What is level 3 autonomous driving ?

Until then, only level 2 autonomous driving was authorized in France. This level allowed the use of the adaptive cruise control and helping support in the track, but forced the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel.

Level 3, it allows the driver to let go of the steering wheel and let the vehicle manage alone, the system managing a large majority of the actions related to driving.

However, the driver must remain vigilant and in the event of a problem, must be able to resume the wheel if necessary. Level 3 therefore does not allow the driver to fall asleep, but for example authorizes him to consult his phone.

Qulles specific use conditions for level 3 autonomous driving ?

A specific framework has been set up to supervise this semi-autonomous pipe. It can only be used in the following cases:

• The vehicle is on a road prohibited for pedestrians and cyclists and with a central separator,
• The maximum vehicle speed does not exceed 60 km/h,
• The driver must be able to regain control of his vehicle at any time.

In the event of an accident when the functionality is activated, it is the manufacturer who will be held responsible and not the driver of the vehicle. On the other hand, if the system is used outside the authorized situations or if the accident occurs because of non-compliance with the highway code from the driver, it is he who will be responsible.

What are the cars affected by autonomous level 3 driving ?

Currently, only 2 car models are compatible with level 3 autonomous driving: Mercedes-Benz EQS and class S. However, these two models are not yet approved to use this technology on France’s roads.

In other words, if level 3 autonomous driving is authorized in France under certain conditions, no car is, to date, still approved for this driving in the country.

Autonomous cars: Autonomous level 3 driving now authorized in France

Since September 1, 2022, it is in theory possible to drive an autonomous car in France. However, the legal framework leads to certain reluctance among manufacturers. What are the different autonomous behaviors ? Under what conditions can we activate the Pilot auto mode ? Answers in this article !

The different levels of autonomous driving

An autonomous car is equipped with sensors and cameras that recover information To make decisions adapted to the situation.

There are 5 levels of vehicle autonomy. Here is a table to understand how each level consists:

Levels	Driver’s role	Role of Auto Pilot
Level 1	The driver is in control of the vehicle, he accelerates, slows down, monitors the Route ECT ..	These are driving assistance tools such as cruise control, ABS ect ..
Level 2	The driver monitors the road as well as the vehicle in the event of a problem	The system accelerates, brakes and can direct the vehicle on certain portions of roads
Level 3	The driver must take control of the vehicle in the event of a problem	The vehicle manages acceleration and braking as well as the road on certain portions
Level 4	No action	The system takes care of everything on certain roads
Level 5	No action	The system takes care of everything on any road

Autonomous level 3 driving has been in force in Europe since July 14, it has been possible in France since September 1, 2022.

Each country is free or not to set up the circulation of autonomous vehicles and to define the conditions thereof.

What are the conditions for activating autonomous driving in France ?

French legislation has imposed conditions specific to the use of the Auto Pilot mode:

• be on a road prohibited for bicycles and pedestrian separated by a central media,
• vehicle speed should not exceed 60 km/h,
• The driver must be able to regain control of the vehicle at any time.

The maximum speed for driving without the hands should change in the coming months, because France plans to adopt a new United Nations regulations which will allow circulate up to 130 km/h.

Cars will still have to be able to exceed vehicles automatically.

Autonomous cars: the question of responsibility in the event of an accident

In France, when the autonomous driving system is activated and the application conditions are respected, It is the responsibility of the manufacturer that is engaged.

For the moment, no vehicle is compatible with driving without level 3 hands.

The only vehicles compatible with this level of autonomy are Mercedes and the Tesla.

For Mercedes, two models are concerned: Class S and EQS who have a pilot auto option. The brand spokesman announced that discussions were underway with the authorities, but that France was not yet on the agenda.

On the Tesla side, the American manufacturer is reluctant due to the manufacturer’s responsibility in the event of an accident.

France is therefore not yet ready to see autonomous cars travel.