UN's WP.29 Adopts Global Rules for Level 4 Self-Driving, Extending to City Roads

The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), under the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), has adopted the first comprehensive international rules for SAE Level 4 Automated Driving Systems (ADS) that operate without a driver, designed to apply on public roads including city streets. The rules require safety performance equal to or better than a "competent and attentive human driver" and adopt a "Safety Case" approach in which manufacturers must prove safety. They are expected to take effect in early 2027, about a month after adoption.