(1) Reasons for Proposal

 Due to the increase in demand for the development of uncrewed autonomous vehicles that operate without any driver according to the technological development of autonomous driving and untact trend,  

 it is necessary to provide institutional support for test drives of prototypes at the step of preparing for full-scale mass production to support the commercialization of autonomous vehicles. 

(2) Major Provisions

A. Newly establish the definition of the test driver and passenger (Article 2 subparagraphs 8 and 9)

Specify new relevant definitions as the roles of drivers and passengers who manage the safe operation of vehicles to vary according to the introduction of new types and classification of autonomous vehicles. 

B. Newly establish the definitions of the types of autonomous vehicles (Article 3-1, attached Table 2)

Classify autonomous vehicles into types A, B, and C as the requirements for safe operation to be applied to vary according to the vehicle’s structural and technical characteristics.

C. Exempt self-certification requirements, etc., according to the special exemption of safety standards (Article 3 (1) and Article 6 (1))

Allow those who have obtained special exemption of safety standards under Article 11 of the “Autonomous Vehicle Act” to temporarily drive even if they do not meet the requirements for self-certification.

D. Mitigate the temporary driving permit requirements for autonomous vehicles immediately prior to mass production (Article 6 (3))

When a large manufacturer* with a mass production plan applies for a temporary driving permit for autonomous vehicles that meet safety standards, it shall be deemed to have satisfied the following temporary driving permit requirements:

* Vehicle manufacturers who meet the self-certification capability requirements under Article 30 of the Motor Vehicle Management Act, etc.

E. Newly establish requirements on vehicles with no driver’s seat (types B and C) (Articles 7, 10, 14, 17, and 20)

Establish a separate customized license requirement for autonomous vehicles with no driver's seat to allow them to obtain a temporary driving permit without any review procedure for special exemption for each application.

F. Newly establish requirements for installing safety functions in preparation for on-ramp stops (Article 16)

Newly establish a requirement to mount the function that automatically activates the braking system to prevent slippage for on-ramp stops.

G. Newly establish permit requirements for temporary operation of uncrewed autonomous vehicles (Type C) (Article 19)

Newly establish permit requirements for temporary operation of uncrewed autonomous vehicles to establish an institutional foundation for the operation of autonomous vehicles.

H. Special provisions concerning the prohibition of the operation while being connected to a towed automobile (Article 21)

Only allow large manufacturers to operate vehicles that are connected to towed automobiles equipped with certain levels of safety devices such as an anti-lock brake system.

I. Reformation and clarification of terms, forms, etc. (separately specify applicable provisions)

① Modify the term "driver" to "test driver" (Articles 10-12, 14, 18-20).

② Delete the provision requiring the submission of unnecessary information for review of the permit requirements (Article 6 (1) 2).

③ Clarify the term "forward collision avoidance function" as set out as a requirement (Article 16 subparagraph 2)).

④ Clarify the types of information to be stored in the operation record system (Article 17).

⑤ Clarify the types of information to be stored in the image record system (Article 18).