Pioneering Swiss achievements thanks to new regulation

Driving a car hands-free? This will soon be permitted in Switzerland. SAAM supported FEDRO with formulating the new section of the Road Traffic Act. The consultation process is now complete and the Swiss Federal Council is making concrete proposals on how automated driving should be regulated in future.

With the planned partial revision of the Swiss Road Traffic Act (SVG), Switzerland is leading the way compared to other countries: The new regulation will make a pioneering contribution to mobility.

Thanks to SAAM's partner companies, driverless buses, known as autonomous shuttles, are already operating in several Swiss cities. These include Bern, Zug, Geneva, Fribourg, Sion, Schaffhausen and Zurich. The shuttles were designed as pilot projects that have been successfully completed. The Swiss Federal Council now wants to regulate the use of driverless vehicles and authorise them for commercial use.

In principle, the point of use of such shuttles always depends on the technical capabilities of the vehicle. This means that operators of autonomous shuttles must prove that their vehicle is capable of travelling the intended route automatically. It must also be ensured that an operator can access the vehicle remotely, as driverless vehicles must be able to integrate smoothly into traffic. The routes must also be authorised by the canton.

Automated vehicles can already be used on clearly defined roads in Switzerland.

“The proportion of fully automated mobility will grow over the next five years. However, it will be many more years before a large, relevant proportion will switch to the new technology. I assume that there will still be hybrid solutions in 20 years' time.” Nils Planzer (CEO Planzer AG)

However, these are pilot projects that require an exemption permit from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). With the new SVG revision, the Federal Council now wants to enshrine this process in law and thus simplify it. If the legal requirements are met, there will be no need for exemption permits in future.

The new legislation will make it possible in future for the driver to let go of the steering wheel after activating the automation system (SAE Level 3), although the Swiss Federal Council has not yet defined the situations in which this will be permitted. Here, too, it depends on the technical capabilities of the vehicle and proof that road safety and traffic flow are guaranteed at all times.

Anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of using a driverless passenger vehicle (SAE Level 4) will be able to opt for fully automated vehicles in future. As in the USA and China, this is set to become a reality in Switzerland. The Federal Council would like to allow this on specified routes, as automated vehicles can minimise or even avoid traffic congestion.

Advantages over other international laws

Compared to EU legislation, the Federal Council has adopted a pragmatic approach to implementing the revised law. In contrast to the EU, the Federal Council does not restrict the number of authorised vehicles. Annual reporting by vehicle manufacturers on specific incidents is also being dispensed with in Switzerland, which will result in more innovation and less bureaucracy. EU type approval in accordance with Art. 45 of the Automated Driving Ordinance (AFV) can also be exempted if a comparable level of safety of the vehicle can be guaranteed by the provider.

Huge potential in public mobility

Switzerland has a highly developed infrastructure that is ideally suited to automated vehicles. The road network is well developed and maintained, enabling smooth navigation and communication between vehicles. In addition, Switzerland has an efficient public transport system that already enjoys a high level of acceptance in society. Integrating automated vehicles into this system could make transport even more efficient, safer and more environmentally friendly.