Since 1 September 2022, automated vehicles have been authorised by law to operate in France, up to “Level 4” automation levels (with no driver on board) for passenger transport. However, fully automated vehicles can only be operated if they are part of an automated road transport system.
Automated road transport systems have the following characteristics:
a set of highly or fully automated(*) vehicles, and technical facilities for remote intervention or safety,
operated on predefined routes or areas,
supplemented by operating, servicing and maintenance rules,
used to provide passenger road transport service.
(*) Unlike fully automated vehicles, which can only operate as part of an automated road transport system, highly automated vehicles can be operated with a driver on board
This regulatory framework has been designed to complement the European framework for type-approval of automated driving systems (EU Regulation 2022/1426), to cover increasing automation.
2022 Automated road transport systems | photo STRMTG
The STRMTG supports the DGITM as part of the national strategy for the development of automated road mobility, which provides the framework for public action in France to support the development of automated vehicles, systems and mobility services.
STRMTG responsibilities related to automated road transport systems include:
drawing up and updating safety assessment and demonstration standards;
issuing certifications to approved qualified organisations for automated road transport systems;
analysing incidents and accidents.
STRMTG may also order additional tests prior to commissioning a system.
In addition, STRMTG is responsible for producing an annual public report on automated road transport systems.
2022 Automated road transport systems - Rennes | photo STRMTG
