Self Driving Cars? Not in B.C., Where Autonomous Vehicles are Now Banned

• 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.