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Self-driving vehicles regulation

The Department for Transport and Ministry of Justice are developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars) in the UK, including the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 and a permitting scheme for automated passenger services (APS). The framework addresses liability, safety standards, and operational approval for driverless vehicle deployment on public roads. Current status involves consultation on the APS permitting scheme and development of detailed regulatory guidance.

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Predecessors 1

Earlier instruments and documents in the same policy lineage — superseded by something on this thread, surfaced for context.

2026

27 events
28 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Transport linked evidence

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the criminal liability framework applicable in cases where (a) autonomous and (b) connected vehicles cause

Why linked: Impact assessment cited in the Bill explanatory notes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the criminal liability framework applicable in cases where (a) autonomous and (b) connected vehicles cause (i) death and (ii) serious injury.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Apr 2026 | Written question linked

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the increasing use of AI-driven personalised marketing by large retailers; and what steps they are taking to ensure that regulatory fr

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the increasing use of AI-driven personalised marketing by large retailers; and what steps they are taking to ensure that regulatory frameworks relating to consumer protection, data use and

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Apr 2026 | Written question linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring independent safety assessments before AI systems with dangerous

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring independent safety assessments before AI systems with dangerous offensive capabilities are developed.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
23 Apr 2026 | Announcement Department for Transport linked direct

Automated Passenger Services Permitting Scheme

Why linked: Lords mirror WMS HLWS1545 for the April 2026 APS permitting scheme statement (HCWS1537).

UIN: HLWS1545 My Honourable Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Simon Lightwood), has made the following Ministerial Statement.This statement provides an update on the Government’s work to enable the automated passenger services permitting scheme f...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
23 Apr 2026 | Research Regulatory Policy Committee linked direct

RPC opinion: automated passenger services permitting scheme options

Why linked: Companion research entry for the RPC opinion on the APS permitting scheme.

Regulatory Policy Committee opinion of the options assessment for the scheme submitted by the Department for Transport.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ RPC opinion: automated passenger services permi…
+1 more
↓ RPC opinion: automated passenger services permitting scheme… (7pp)
23 Apr 2026 | Announcement Department for Transport linked

Automated Passenger Services Permitting Scheme

UIN: HCWS1537 This statement provides an update on the Government’s work to enable the automated passenger services permitting scheme from this spring, a key step in implementing the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 and supporting economic growth through the safe deployment...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
23 Apr 2026 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Automated passenger services: permitting scheme — outcome published

Seeks views on the proposed automated passenger services statutory instrument (SI) to support the deployment of commercial self-driving pilots.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Automated passenger services (APS) permitting s…
+2 more
↓ Draft statutory instrument: The Automated Vehicles (Permits… (7pp) ↓ Automated passenger services: permitting scheme – governmen… (59pp)
31 Mar 2026 | Guidance Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked direct

Automated passenger service permits: local authority and transport body roles

Why linked: DfT guidance specifically on the APS permitting scheme and roles of local authorities under Part 5 of the AV Act — directly on this thread.

An overview of the automated passenger services scheme and the roles of local authorities and transport bodies in considering deployments.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Automated passenger service permits: local auth…
23 Mar 2026 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999

These Regulations amend the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2864). The effect of the amendment is to require that applications under regulation 31(1)(a) (applications for manoeuvres tests, large vehicle off road manoeuvres tests, practical tests, and unitary tests:applicants …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Mar 2026 | Consultation (closed) Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Developing the automated vehicles regulatory framework — call for evidence closed — consultation closed

This call for evidence ran from 10:45am on 4 December 2025 to 11:59pm on 5 March 2026. Seeks views on several sections of the Automated Vehicles Act to support development of the regulatory framework.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Developing the automated vehicles regulatory fr… (79pp)

2025

37 events
16 Dec 2025 | Guidance Forensic Science Regulator linked direct

Regulator's notification 06-2024: use of certified reference materials (CRMs) in analysis for drugs in relation to s5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: Road Traffic Act 1988

Notification on a procedural error related to the use of certified reference materials in the undertaking of FSA- DTN 102.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Regulator's notification 06-2024: use of certif…
+1 more
↓ Regulator's notification 06-2024: use of certified referenc… (2pp)
4 Dec 2025 | Announcement Department for Transport linked

Developing the Automated Vehicles Regulatory Framework

UIN: HLWS1130 My Honourable Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Simon Lightwood) has made the following Ministerial Statement.I wish to provide the House with an update on further steps the government is taking to implement the Automated Vehicles (...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
4 Dec 2025 | Consultation (closed) Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Developing the automated vehicles regulatory framework — call for evidence closed — consultation opened

This call for evidence ran from 10:45am on 4 December 2025 to 11:59pm on 5 March 2026. Seeks views on several sections of the Automated Vehicles Act to support development of the regulatory framework.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Developing the automated vehicles regulatory fr… (79pp)
28 Sep 2025 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Automated passenger services: permitting scheme — consultation closed

Seeks views on the proposed automated passenger services statutory instrument (SI) to support the deployment of commercial self-driving pilots.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Automated passenger services (APS) permitting s…
+2 more
↓ Draft statutory instrument: The Automated Vehicles (Permits… (7pp) ↓ Automated passenger services: permitting scheme – governmen… (59pp)
1 Sep 2025 | Consultation (closed) Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Automated vehicles: protecting marketing terms — consultation closed

Seeks views on protecting the use of certain terms in vehicle marketing so they can only be used for authorised automated (self-driving) vehicles.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Automated vehicles: protecting marketing terms  
+1 more
↓ Draft statutory instrument: the Automated Vehicles (Marketi… (2pp)
24 Jul 2025 | Research Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked direct

Automated vehicles and sanctions systems

Why linked: DfT-commissioned research on automated vehicles and sanctions systems to inform sanctions design under the AV Act 2024.

Identifies how regulators in different sectors apply sanctions, and what can be learnt to inform the use of sanctions under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Research on automated vehicles and sanctions sy… (59pp)
21 Jul 2025 | Announcement Department for Transport linked direct

Automated Passenger Services Permitting Scheme

Why linked: Lords mirror WMS HLWS858 on the APS permitting scheme launch.

UIN: HLWS858 My Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander), has made the following Ministerial Statement.I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the government is taking to progress the implementation of automated …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
21 Jul 2025 | Announcement Department for Transport linked direct

Automated Passenger Services Permitting Scheme

Why linked: WMS HCWS858 announcing the July 2025 launch of the APS permitting scheme consultation.

UIN: HCWS858 I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the government is taking to progress the implementation of automated passenger services (APS) regulations to kickstart economic growth, a top priority in the Government’s Plan for Change.The …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
21 Jul 2025 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Automated passenger services: permitting scheme — consultation opened

Seeks views on the proposed automated passenger services statutory instrument (SI) to support the deployment of commercial self-driving pilots.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Automated passenger services (APS) permitting s…
+2 more
↓ Draft statutory instrument: The Automated Vehicles (Permits… (7pp) ↓ Automated passenger services: permitting scheme – governmen… (59pp)
23 Jun 2025 | Research Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked direct

Performing tasks in automated passenger services during emergencies

Why linked: DfT research on emergency responses by people with protected characteristics in APS, directly relevant to APS safety and accessibility provisions in the permitting scheme.

A study that explores how people with protected characteristics may respond to emergencies in automated passenger services.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ User requirements to enable passengers of autom… (106pp)
23 Jun 2025 | Research Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked direct

Driver roles and inclusivity: automated passenger services

Why linked: DfT research on driver roles and inclusivity in automated passenger services, directly informing the APS permitting scheme design and accessibility considerations.

Explores non-driving-related roles carried out by drivers and identifies solutions that could be used for future automated passenger services.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Automated passenger services: researching drive… (71pp)
+1 more
↓ Automated passenger services: interactive matrix of non-dri…
11 Jun 2025 | Announcement Department for Transport linked

Automated Vehicles Act 2024 Implementation

UIN: HLWS691 My Honourable Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport (Lilian Greenwood) has made the following Ministerial Statement.I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the government is taking to implement the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
10 Jun 2025 | Announcement Department for Transport linked

Automated Vehicles Act 2024 Implementation

UIN: HCWS692 I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the government is taking to implement the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act 2024 and kickstart economic growth, a top priority in the Government’s Plan for Change. The AV …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
10 Jun 2025 | Consultation (closed) Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Automated vehicles: protecting marketing terms — consultation opened

Seeks views on protecting the use of certain terms in vehicle marketing so they can only be used for authorised automated (self-driving) vehicles.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Automated vehicles: protecting marketing terms  
+1 more
↓ Draft statutory instrument: the Automated Vehicles (Marketi… (2pp)
7 Apr 2025 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government which unit or team in the Department for Transport is responsible for policy relating to self-driving delivery robots that operate primarily on pavements.

Why linked: Lords PQ asking which DfT unit is responsible for policy on self-driving pavement delivery robots — directly tied to ongoing AV accessibility scrutiny on this thread.

To ask His Majesty's Government which unit or team in the Department for Transport is responsible for policy relating to self-driving delivery robots that operate primarily on pavements.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
1 Apr 2025 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in implementing the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, they plan to give local authorities the right to withhold consent for an automated passenger services operator permit to be granted; and if so, which tier of local g

Why linked: Lords PQ on whether local authorities will have a right to withhold consent for APS operators under the AV Act 2024 — direct framework question.

To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in implementing the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, they plan to give local authorities the right to withhold consent for an automated passenger services operator permit to be granted; and if so, which tier of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
1 Apr 2025 | Written question Department for Transport linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government what body will hold responsibility for the issuing of permits for operators of automated passenger services under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.

Why linked: Lords PQ specifically asking which body will hold responsibility for issuing APS permits under the AV Act 2024 — direct scrutiny of Part 5 implementation.

To ask His Majesty's Government what body will hold responsibility for the issuing of permits for operators of automated passenger services under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
10 Mar 2025 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked direct

Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 regulatory report 2024

Why linked: Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 regulatory report 2024 — predecessor insurance/liability regime report relevant to understanding the liability framework context of the AV Act.

Progress report on the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 regula… (13pp)
+2 more
↓ Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 regulatory report … (16pp) ↓ Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 regulatory report … (24pp)
26 Feb 2025 | Guidance Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles linked direct

Automated Vehicles Act implementation programme

Why linked: DfT 'Automated Vehicles Act implementation programme' guidance — the central programme document for delivering the AV Act 2024.

A programme for the safe deployment of automated vehicles and implementing the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
17 Jan 2025 | Written evidence linked direct

However, the Department also set out that autonomous vehicle technology would need to be capable of safely operating using existing highway infrastructure and so does not expect to make any immediate changes to road maintenance practices. The Department told us that government 75 Qq 21, 27, 93; C&AG’s Report, Figure 12 76 Q 94 77 Qq 84, 88 78 Qq 86 - 89; Written evidence, submitted by the Department for Transport dated 5 December 2024, ‘Local roads – Autonomous Vehicles’ 19 expects to set out...

Why linked: Written evidence on DfT's approach to AV technology and existing highway infrastructure, directly relevant to the authorisation and safety framework under the AV Act.

However, the Department also set out that autonomous vehicle technology would need to be capable of safely operating using existing highway infrastructure and so does not expect to make any immediate changes to road maintenance practices. The Department told us …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2024

13 events

2023

8 events
21 Nov 2023 | Research House of Lords Library linked direct

Automated Vehicles Bill [HL]: HL Bill 1 of 2023–24

Why linked: Lords Library Note on the Automated Vehicles Bill HL 2023-24, providing background analysis of the legislation that became the AV Act 2024.

Type: Lords Library Note (LLN-2023-0045) The Automated Vehicles Bill would put into place measures announced in the 2023 King’s Speech to set up a legal framework to enable self-driving cars in the UK. It would establish a regulatory regime for …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ LLN-2023-0045.pdf

2022

9 events
25 Apr 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Safe use rules for automated vehicles (AV) — outcome published

Proposes amending The Highway Code to create rules on the safe use of automated vehicles on Great Britain's motorways.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rules on safe use of automated vehicles on GB r…
+3 more
↓ Rules on the safe use of automated vehicles: summary of res… ↓ Letter to Parliament about a new section to The Highway Cod… ↓ Explanatory memorandum to The Highway Code amendment [self-…
26 Jan 2022 | Other Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Ministry of Justice Public Accounts Committee Regulatory Policy Committee evidence

Automated Vehicles: Joint Report HC 1068 SG/2022/15 Law Com No 404 (full PDF)

Why linked: Filled the "Law Commissions' original liability review underpinning the Act" gap via web research

The full PDF of the joint Law Commission / Scottish Law Commission report on automated vehicles (January 2022), containing all 75 recommendations on liability, safety assurance, criminal offences and the proposed regulatory framework that was implemented through the Automated Vehicles …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
26 Jan 2022 | Other Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Ministry of Justice Public Accounts Committee Regulatory Policy Committee evidence

Automated Vehicles: Joint Report – Law Commission of England and Wales and Scottish Law Commission (Law Com No 404)

Why linked: Filled the "Law Commissions' original liability review underpinning the Act" gap via web research

The definitive joint report published on 26 January 2022 by the Law Commission of England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission, making 75 recommendations for a new legal framework covering safety assurance, civil and criminal liability, and regulatory structure …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2021

6 events
28 May 2021 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Safe use rules for automated vehicles (AV) — consultation closed

Proposes amending The Highway Code to create rules on the safe use of automated vehicles on Great Britain's motorways.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rules on safe use of automated vehicles on GB r…
+3 more
↓ Rules on the safe use of automated vehicles: summary of res… ↓ Letter to Parliament about a new section to The Highway Cod… ↓ Explanatory memorandum to The Highway Code amendment [self-…
28 Apr 2021 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Safe use rules for automated vehicles (AV) — consultation opened

Proposes amending The Highway Code to create rules on the safe use of automated vehicles on Great Britain's motorways.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rules on safe use of automated vehicles on GB r…
+3 more
↓ Rules on the safe use of automated vehicles: summary of res… ↓ Letter to Parliament about a new section to The Highway Cod… ↓ Explanatory memorandum to The Highway Code amendment [self-…

2020

1 event

2019

3 events
17 May 2019 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Department for Transport linked

Automated vehicle trialling code of practice: invitation to comment — consultation closed

Opportunity to comment on and amend the 2019 updated 'Code of practice: automated vehicle trialling'.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Invitation to comment: code of practice automat… (11pp)
8 May 2019 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Department for Transport linked

Automated vehicle trialling code of practice: invitation to comment — outcome published

Opportunity to comment on and amend the 2019 updated 'Code of practice: automated vehicle trialling'.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Invitation to comment: code of practice automat… (11pp)
6 Feb 2019 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Department for Transport linked

Automated vehicle trialling code of practice: invitation to comment — consultation opened

Opportunity to comment on and amend the 2019 updated 'Code of practice: automated vehicle trialling'.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Invitation to comment: code of practice automat… (11pp)

2018

1 event
15 Aug 2018 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018

Why linked: Commons Library briefing on the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 — directly relevant as the predecessor liability statute that continues in force alongside the 2024 Act.

Type: Commons Briefing Paper (CBP-8118) This paper explains the policy background to and contents and purpose of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ CBP-8118.pdf

2017

1 event
9 Feb 2017 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Using advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicle technologies — outcome published

Proposals for people and businesses in the UK to use automated vehicle technologies, and advanced driver assistance systems.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Pathway to driverless cars: proposals to suppor… (41pp)
+2 more
↓ Government response to the pathway to driverless cars consu… (19pp) ↓ Pathway to driverless cars: insurance for automated vehicle… (19pp)

2016

2 events
9 Sep 2016 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Using advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicle technologies — consultation closed

Proposals for people and businesses in the UK to use automated vehicle technologies, and advanced driver assistance systems.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Pathway to driverless cars: proposals to suppor… (41pp)
+2 more
↓ Government response to the pathway to driverless cars consu… (19pp) ↓ Pathway to driverless cars: insurance for automated vehicle… (19pp)
11 Jul 2016 | Consultation outcome Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Department for Transport linked

Using advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicle technologies — consultation opened

Proposals for people and businesses in the UK to use automated vehicle technologies, and advanced driver assistance systems.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Pathway to driverless cars: proposals to suppor… (41pp)
+2 more
↓ Government response to the pathway to driverless cars consu… (19pp) ↓ Pathway to driverless cars: insurance for automated vehicle… (19pp)