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Connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) drivers

Standards and legislation for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) such as driver-less cars. 

Autonomous vehicles, also known as driver-less cars or self-driving vehicles, are capable of driving without human input. They do this by detecting their surroundings through the use of connected intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) driving without human input.

connected--autonomous-vehicle

How autonomous vehicles work 

Autonomous vehicles create and maintain a map of their surroundings based on a variety of sensors situated in different parts of the vehicle. Radar sensors monitor the position of nearby vehicles. Video cameras detect traffic lights, read road signs, track other vehicles, and look for pedestrians. 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle sensors

connected and autonomous vehicle sensors

Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) 

C-ITS is a technology which allows vehicles to become connected to each other, their surrounding environment (e.g., traffic lights, road signage etc.) and other parts of the transport network through a wireless device. C-ITS technologies can improve road safety by preventing collisions and assists in reducing congestion and environmental impacts. 

Regulations on autonomous cars 

The European Commission is in the process of developing regulations to support the future implementation of connected and autonomous vehicles. It is expected that the C-ITS platform will significantly influence any legislation adopted by individual member states including Ireland.

Responsibility for future legislation or policy on autonomous vehicles

This legislation comes under the remit of the Department of Transport, who can be contacted on (01) 6041406 or by email: [email protected]

 

More information on autonomous vehicles  

Automated Vehicles in the EU is a detailed briefing note on autonomous cars that has been published by the European Parliament. It covers: 

  • potentials and challenges of vehicle automation 
  • different levels of automation 
  • automation technologies and their deployment 
  • the regulatory and legal framework 
  • the general regulatory environment 
  • ongoing work in the EU.