Forum: Legislative framework for safe deployment of autonomous vehicles on roads being studied
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We thank Chong Ryh Huei for his letter on liability insurance for autonomous vehicles and will take it in as feedback (Passengers need clarity on liability insurance for autonomous vehicles, Oct 12).
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) currently deployed on public roads are regulated under the sandbox set out in Road Traffic (Autonomous Motor Vehicles) Rules 2017, which require authorised operators to maintain liability insurance covering third-party death, bodily injury and property damage caused by, or arising out of the use of the AVs, including passengers. Third parties suffering losses should an accident occur can claim against the insurance for compensation, similar to other road traffic accidents involving conventional motor vehicles.
Beyond insurance, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) also requires AV operators to meet safety, cybersecurity and operational requirements to safeguard passengers and other road users. LTA may take regulatory actions where any of these requirements are not met.
We recognise the importance of ensuring that passengers and other road users are adequately protected and have effective recourse should AVs be involved in accidents. We target to introduce a new AV Act in a year’s time and have started seeking views through a public consultation.
We have engaged industry, insurers and legal practitioners to establish a more holistic legal framework for AVs, including the insurance and compensation processes. We will share the views received when ready.
Alison Tan
Group Director, Technology and Industry Development
Land Transport Authority
Elaine Koh
Senior Director, Private and Shared Mobility Division
Ministry of Transport