B.C. says no to SAE Level 3 and higher
Legislation fines drivers if the car has the feature
Got a self-driving car? It’s now illegal in British Columbia. Earlier this month the province instituted a ban on autonomous vehicles that met SAE Levels 3, 4, and 5. Whether you’re using the technology or not.
According to the province, “It is an offence to drive or permit the driving of Level 3, 4, or 5 automated vehicles, unless allowed by regulation. Penalties can range from $368 and 3 driver penalty points up to a maximum of $2,000 and 6 months of imprisonment.”
The changes came into effect on April 5. The announcement was buried in a press release where the province focused on a new class of e-bikes and new safe passing distance regulations meant to protect cyclists.
If you’re worried about a Full Self Drive Tesla, don’t be. The system is far from being able to fully self drive, and is a Level 2 system. Hands-off systems like Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise are also Level 2. The only Level 3 system currently offered in North America is the Mercedes Drive Pilot on the EQS and S-Class, but that feature is not currently offered in Canada.
The reason the government gave? “Highly automated self-driving vehicles remain a new and emerging transportation technology. Further testing and policy development are necessary before Level 3 or higher automated vehicles are considered safe and can begin to be allowed for public use on B.C. roads.” Basically, the government isn’t going to allow the province to be a guinea pig. Unless the automaker enrolls in a carefully monitored pilot project.
