Automated Vehicles Act 2024

Part 1Regulatory scheme for automated vehicles

Chapter 1Authorisation of road vehicles for automated use

Self-driving capability

1Basic concepts

2Statement of safety principles

Grant of authorisation

3Power to authorise

4Authorised automation features

Authorisation requirements

5Authorisation requirements and conditions

6Authorised self-driving entities

7Transition demands

Variation, suspension and withdrawal of authorisation

8Power to vary, suspend or withdraw

9Further provision about variation, suspension and withdrawal

10Register of authorisations

11Regulations about authorisation procedure

Chapter 2Licensing of operators for vehicle use without user-in-charge

12Power to establish operator licensing scheme

13Further provision about operator licensing

Chapter 3Provision of information by regulated bodies

Requirements imposed by regulations

14Collection and sharing of information

15Nomination of individuals

Requirements imposed by notice

16Purpose for which notices may be given

17Power to issue information notice

18Power to issue interview notice

19Notices requiring individual attendance

20Offences of non-compliance

21Enforcement by court

22Use of information obtained

23Supplementary provision

Offences relating to information about safety

24False or withheld information relevant to vehicle safety

25Aggravated offence where death or serious injury occurs

Liability of individuals

26Liability of nominated individual

27Liability of senior manager

Chapter 4Powers to investigate premises used by regulated bodies

28Warrants for entry, search and seizure

29Powers exercisable under warrant

30Offences of impeding execution of warrant

31Seizure of items

32Return of warrant

33Use of information obtained

Chapter 5Civil sanctions against regulated bodies

34Compliance notices

35Redress notices

36Monetary penalties

37Supplementary provision

Chapter 6Other regulatory powers and duties

38General monitoring duty

39Duty with respect to incidents with potential regulatory consequences

40Power to require reports from police and local authorities

Chapter 7Supplementary provision

42Protection of information

44Interpretation

45Related amendments

Part 2Criminal liability for vehicle use

Chapter 1Legal position of user-in-charge

46Meaning of “user-in-charge”

47User-in-charge not liable for manner of driving

48Exceptions from immunity

49User-in-charge otherwise liable as driver

50Power to change or clarify existing traffic legislation

51Supplementary provision

52Interpretation

Chapter 2Offences

53Use of vehicle without driver or licensed oversight

54Dangerous use etc

55Amendment of tampering offence

56Amendment of offence concerning fitting of unsuitable parts

Part 3Policing and investigation

Chapter 1Stopping and seizure

57Application of stopping powers etc

58Seizure and detention

59Interpretation

Chapter 2Investigation of incidents by statutory inspectors

Authorised automated vehicle incident inspectors

60The role of inspector

61Purpose of inspectors

62General power to investigate certain incidents

63Powers in respect of persons

64Powers in respect of premises

65Powers in respect of road traffic

66Offences of impeding investigation

67Application to police officers

68Report of findings

69Appointment of additional persons to exercise investigatory powers

Supplementary powers

70Additional power in respect of information and material

71Obtaining reports from police

72Ancillary functions

Supplementary provision

73Protection of information

74Further provision about physical evidence

76Offences under regulations

77Interpretation

Part 4Marketing restrictions

78Restriction of certain terms to authorised automated vehicles

79Communications likely to confuse as to autonomous capability

80Liability of corporate officers etc

81Interpretation and supplementary provision

Part 5Permits for automated passenger services

Content and effect of permits

82Power to grant permits

83Disapplication of taxi, private hire vehicle and bus legislation

84Civil sanctions for infringements

Requirements before granting permit

85Consent requirement for services resembling taxis or private hire vehicles

86Consent requirement for services resembling buses

87Further requirements

Supplementary provision

88Collection, sharing and protection of information

89Procedural and administrative matters

90Interpretation

Part 6Adaptation of existing regimes

91Power to update type approval requirements

92Application of roadside testing powers etc

93Provision of information about traffic regulation measures

Part 7General provision

94General definitions

95Disclosure of information: interaction with external constraints

96Crown application

99Commencement and transitional provision

Schedule 1Enforcement action under Part 1: procedure

Part 1Unilateral variation, suspension or withdrawal of authorisation

1Ordinary procedure

2Procedure for urgent suspension or temporary variation

4Backstop procedure for cases where authorised self-driving entity defunct

Part 2Civil sanctions

5Notices of intent

8Assignment of functions to traffic commissioners

Schedule 2Amendments related to Part 1

1Theft Act 1968 (c. 60)

2Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 52)

3Limitation Act 1980 (c. 58)

4Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52)

5Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (c. 18)

Schedule 3Amendments related to sections 53 and 54

1Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52)

2Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 55)

3Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32)

4Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52)

Schedule 4Amendments related to section 66(3)

1(1) The Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 is amended as...

Schedule 5Enforcement of marketing restrictions

1Duty to enforce

2Application of consumer enforcement powers

3Out-of-court undertakings

4Civil injunctions

5Time limit for prosecution

Schedule 6Civil sanctions for infringing passenger permit scheme

1Compliance notices

2Monetary penalties

3Notice of intent

5Cancellation and variation

7Enforcement action in respect of multiple occurrences

Royal arms

Automated Vehicles Act 2024

2024 CHAPTER 10

An Act to regulate the use of automated vehicles on roads and in other public places; and to make other provision in relation to vehicle automation.

[20th May 2024]

Be it enacted by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—