The document establishes uniform safety requirements and testing methodologies for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS). "The completion of work on the draft underscores the importance of international regulatory frameworks established under the UN," noted UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molchan.
She added that the harmonized rules developed by the UNECE will help avoid fragmentation of approaches at the country level, which in turn will contribute to increased safety and innovation in the automotive industry.
Richard Damm, chair of the working group, emphasized that safety, innovation, and public trust can develop simultaneously. "By creating clear rules at the global level, we provide confidence for both the industry and consumers," he stated.
The draft regulation is based on the 2022 Framework Document on Automated Vehicles, which includes key safety principles and recommendations for the assessment and testing of ADS adopted in June 2024.
This document will be presented at the World Forum of the UNECE on the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, which will take place from June 23 to 26, 2026. If the forum approves the regulation, it will come into effect immediately.
The UN News Service also reported that at the end of January, the U.S. Department of Transportation published a list of questions regarding the draft regulation to formulate its position for the vote in June. China plans to develop a national standard based on the global regulation, while Japan expressed satisfaction with the ongoing process and outcomes. Several European countries also supported the initiative to create global regulation.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: UN Photo.
