Although autonomous driving is authorized in France, it is still very limited and it is impossible to take your hands off the wheel. But this constraint could soon disappear with new European regulations.
When we talk about autonomous driving, we immediately think of Tesla and its Autopilot, and more particularly its FSD function (full self-driving). The latter allows the motorist to no longer need to put their hands on the steering wheel during the entire journey. The car completes the journey in complete autonomy, stopping at pedestrian crossings, overtaking and all other maneuvers. Note that this is not the only manufacturer to offer such an autonomous driving system: Mercedes has its Drive Pilot, Audi its AI Traffic Jam Pilot, Ford its BlueCruise, etc.
But this incredible promise of moving without ever having to touch the steering wheel cannot be realized in France because, although the technology is authorized, it is restricted. In fact, assisted driving is divided into five categories, from the most basic to the most advanced: level 1 concerns everything that is assistance (adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, automatic emergency braking, etc.) while that level 5 corresponds to completely autonomous vehicles. And in France, the system is restricted by European legislation at level 2, which allows the actions of adaptive cruise control to be combined with lane centering.
A situation completely opposite to that of the United States, where drivers can exploit technology without hindrance. In France therefore, human intervention still remains essential. Impossible for a motorist to drive an entire journey while leaving his steering wheel aside and going about his business! However, the year 2025 could mark a turning point for French owners of vehicles with these capabilities…
Indeed, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) published a document on February 6, in which it discussed its desire to change the rules governing autonomous driving from 2025. The goal is to develop a new regulation which “defines the provisions relating to the approval of vehicles equipped with driver assistance systems (DCAS) and provides for minimum safety requirements for vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems“. Although no official decision has yet been taken, discussions are expected in the coming months.
But the freedom will not be complete, since the European authorities would still impose vigilance on the part of the driver, who must be able to regain control of his vehicle at any time, while the latter will keep an eye on him . Concretely, the driver must always have his attention focused on his race, his eyes glued to the road and his hands on the steering wheel – you will still have to wait for a nap at the wheel while driving!
Tesla has wasted no time: the American manufacturer is already in the intensive testing phase in order to adapt its technology to future European standards. The new regulation will be submitted to the World Forum for Harmonization of Regulations for adoption next June, with entry into force planned for January 2025. This should further spark lively debates!