Mixed feelings as B.C. bans self-driving vehicles on its roads
CBC
Earlier this month, changes to B.C.'s Motor Vehicle Act quietly came into effect, prohibiting the use of fully automated self-driving vehicles.
The new legislation restricts someone from driving Level 3 or higher automated vehicles, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and also prohibits the use of features that cause a vehicle to operate as a Level 3 or higher automated vehicle.
According to the society's classification, which ranges from Level 0 to Level 5, a motorist is not driving a car which is above Level 3 automation — even if they're in the driver's seat.
"These new regulations will keep people safer on our roads," said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation, in a statement that announced the updated legislation.
According to the SAE, Level 0 has no automation, while levels 1 and 2 have driver-assisted technology — popular features found in many new cars like automatic braking and lane assist.
But drivers can't take a nap or catch the latest episode of their favourite television series. Levels 0-2 require the driver to be focused on the road and ready to respond, if needed.
Meanwhile, levels 3-5 of automation don't require a person to drive the car at all.
"Drivers and manufacturers are expected to comply with the legislation – this includes driving with due care and attention at all times," said a spokesperson for the Transportation Ministry in a statement.
Transport Canada says an automated vehicle uses sensors, controllers, an onboard computer and software to drive the car independently.
Anyone caught driving a fully automated vehicle in B.C. could face penalties of up to $2,000 and six months in jail.
The new regulation won't have much of an impact on the roads, since Transport Canada doesn't currently permit the purchase of automated vehicles in Canada.
It's responsible for regulating the safety of new and imported vehicles, like automated driving systems, adding that companies "must demonstrate that the vehicle or vehicle equipment complies with all existing safety regulations and standards."
Self-driving vehicles are usually electric and B.C. drivers are particularly fond of electric vehicles (EVs).
B.C. Hydro says there were more than 230,000 EVs on B.C. roads as of January 2024, with the utility saying B.C. has the highest adoption rate of EVs in North America.
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