Drivers will be able to watch TV in self-driving cars

Sarah Tooze, Consumer Editor
Wed, 20 Apr 2022

• Planned changes to the Highway Code will allow motorists to watch TV in a self-driving car
• It will still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving cars
• Full regulatory framework expected by 2025

Motorists in self-driving cars will be allowed to watch TV on built-in display screens under proposed changes to the Highway Code.

The introduction of the technology is likely to begin with vehicles travelling at slow speeds on motorways, such as in congested traffic, and motorists must be ready to resume control if they are prompted to – such as when they approach motorway exits.

It will still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, “given the greater risk they pose in distracting drivers as shown in research”, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. 

The measures follow a public consultation launched by the Government, which found the majority of respondents were broadly supportive of the proposed changes to the Highway Code to clarify drivers’ responsibilities in self-driving vehicles.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “This is a major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles, which will revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable.

“This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.

“In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower.”

In April 2021 the Government announced that vehicles fitted with automated lane keeping system (ALKS) technology could be the first example of self-driving technology. 

It expects to have a full regulatory framework in place to support the widespread deployment of the technology by 2025.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Amending The Highway Code to reflect the pace of technological change will help clarify what motorists can and can’t do when a self-driving feature is engaged, so promoting its safe use.

“The technology could be available in the UK later this year and, with the right regulations in place, consumers are set to benefit from safer, more efficient journeys while the UK will strengthen its position as a global leader in the deployment of self-driving technology.”

However, Hojol Uddin, partner and head of motoring law at JMW Solicitors, said that there was a long way to go before the proposed changes become a reality. 

He said: “At present the legislation does not allow the use of moving images in a vehicle whilst driving, and attracts penalty points. If they are to adopt this then the legislation will need to change as well as the Highway Code.”

Ask HJ

If a self-driving car caused an accident or death, who's at fault?

What are the legal consequences if an accident or death is caused as a result of mechanical failure on a driverless car?

I'll start out by saying this isn't our area of expertise — we're motoring journalists with a decent understanding of the law as it pertains to our industry but this isn't the point of view of a legal professional. With that said, it's hard to know what would happen as 1) there would be a lot of factors under investigation and 2) I'm not sure there's been a legal precedent yet set for these instances as we don't yet (legally) have level 5 automated cars in the UK. I would assume that if the car was low level automated then the driver would be held at fault due to the fact that they still legally have to be ready to take back control of the car. That was the case when a self-driving Uber vehicle killed a cyclist in the USA in 2018. The BBC reported on why the driver was charged with negligent homicide here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-54175359 As for mechanical failure, that's much more of an unknown and would depend on the circumstances.

Answered by Georgia Petrie

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Ask HJ

When do you expect automated cars on UK roads?

When do you expect the safety requirement that requires cars to steer themselves away from a hazard will be implemented?

Automated cars already exist, with five levels of grading a vehicle's autonomous capability (0-5). We don't know an exact date that because it will depend on both the tech having been thoroughly tested on the roads, as well as the law that would allow automated vehicles to drive on public roads. You can see an article we wrote on the Best Self-Driving Cars (on our parent site, heycar) here: https://heycar.co.uk/guides/best-self-driving-cars Level 0 vehicles might issue warnings, but you’ll have to do the work. At Level 1, you’re expected to do the bulk of the driving but you might get features like automatic emergency braking and parking assistance. The automated system takes control of accelerating, braking and steering at level 2. Even though it’s called hands-off, you’ll need to keep your hands on the wheel just in case. This is still relatively rare in the UK - although automation up to level 2 is legal. In fact, the Government has said it’s moving towards having fully self-driving cars on public roads by 2021. At Level 3, the vehicle will make decisions by itself, such as when to slow down and perform manoeuvres. For example, Level 3 automation could do the driving for you in slow-moving traffic. This technology exists but it’s not yet legal in the UK to use on public roads. Level 4 lets you go to sleep or leave the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in motion. This sort of self-driving car is either geofenced (strictly limited to certain areas) or reserved for special circumstances like traffic jams. Level 5 is full automation and includes trialling robot taxis. They tend to lack steering wheels, pedals or other controls. As with Level 4, it's still in development and so not yet legal on roads.

Answered by Georgia Petrie

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