Germany – Research and development services and related consultancy services – FE SV.0017/2023 - „Bestands- und Erfahrungsanalyse zum autonomen Fahren“

This project aims to contribute to the evaluation of the Act on Autonomous Driving of July 12, 2021 (see Federal Law Gazette 2021, Part I, No. 48 of July 27, 2021, p. 3108). This Act establishes the regulatory framework for the regular operation of autonomous vehicles in public road traffic. It thus enables driving in defined operating areas without a driver being physically present. The Act's objective is to support the rapid implementation of autonomous driving and to facilitate its use in various mobility sectors. The evaluation stipulated in the Act after the end of 2023 (§ 1l Road Traffic Act, StVG) is to be conducted on a scientific basis and will generate insights into the application of the legal regulations. The evaluation will focus on the impact on the development of autonomous driving, its compatibility with data protection regulations, and the experience gained through trial permits and permits for the commencement of regular operation. Given the short effective period of the law, this evaluation aims to provide initial insights into its application and effectiveness, as well as identify further necessary steps. The project's objective is to conduct an inventory and experience analysis (monitoring) of ongoing and completed autonomous driving projects in public road traffic in Germany. Where available, the monitoring will also include examples where autonomous driving systems have already been transitioned into regular operation. The conclusions drawn from the findings will, firstly, demonstrate the effects of autonomous driving on road safety, traffic efficiency, mobility, and public acceptance, and secondly, illuminate the law's impact on the testing of pilot applications in road traffic and the transition of systems into regular operation.