The Czech Ministry of Transport is gearing up to introduce groundbreaking legislation that will pave the way for autonomous vehicles on Czech roads. This new law will set the stage for cars capable of navigating regular traffic without driver intervention.
The amendment will significantly shift responsibility from the driver to the vehicle when in autonomous mode. It will also broaden the definition of a driver and allow for hands-free, pedal-free driving. Perhaps most notably, in the event of an accident involving an autonomous vehicle, the manufacturer will be held accountable.
Martin Kupka, the Minister of Transport, emphasized the goal of this initiative: “With this upcoming innovation, we aim to enable the operation of approved automated vehicles in the Czech Republic, which will significantly enhance driver comfort and road safety through their technologies”.
The new legislation will primarily target highway driving. According to Marie Nováková from the Automotive Industry Association, drivers will be able to hand over control to the vehicle, freeing them from full attention to driving. However, this handover can only occur on roads without pedestrians or cyclists, separated from oncoming traffic by physical barriers.
The vehicle itself will monitor the conditions for taking control and inform the driver via a display when it’s ready to do so. The driver can then transfer control, for example, by pressing a button on the steering wheel. The vehicle becomes responsible for following traffic rules only after the driver confirms the handover.
This legislative change represents a significant step forward in the evolution of transportation in the Czech Republic, balancing technological advancement with safety considerations. As the amendment undergoes the review process, it signals an exciting future for Czech roads and drivers alike.