Israel Considers Easing Rules for Autonomous Vehicle Testing
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israel is considering easing regulations for autonomous vehicle testing to encourage technological development. A draft report by an inter-ministerial team identified "over-regulation," such as the requirement for a "hands on the wheel" driver, as a key barrier. While a "sandbox" framework has allowed some testing since 2017, three new regulatory alternatives are proposed to further facilitate trials, including those without a safety driver.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel is examining a "streamlined regulatory track" for autonomous vehicle testing.
- A draft report identifies "over-regulation" as a major impediment to autonomous vehicle development.
- The requirement for a "hands on the wheel" driver is cited as a significant obstacle.
- Since 2017, a regulatory "sandbox" has permitted testing for six companies operating 300 vehicles.
- Three new regulatory alternatives are proposed to ease testing, including without a safety driver.
Israel is exploring the possibility of establishing a "streamlined regulatory track" for autonomous vehicles, aiming to remove existing barriers to development and testing. A draft report, authored by an inter-ministerial team including representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Israel Innovation Authority, and the Prime Minister's Office, highlights "over-regulation" as a significant impediment.
The report argues that current regulations, established before the advent of self-driving technology, are ill-suited for innovation. Specifically, the requirement for a driver with "hands on the wheel" is identified as a major obstacle to the advancement of autonomous vehicles. The document contrasts this with the development of other technologies, noting that software developers face fewer regulatory hurdles than those working on autonomous vehicles or innovative medical devices.
Since 2017, Israel has operated a regulatory "sandbox" framework managed by an inter-ministerial committee. This framework has granted exemptions to six companies, allowing them to operate 300 autonomous vehicles in various configurations and locations under supervision. However, the new report suggests this framework may not be sufficient to foster widespread development.
To further facilitate testing, including trials of autonomous vehicles without a safety driver, the inter-ministerial team has proposed three alternative regulatory approaches. These include specific legislative amendments to grant exemptions under defined conditions, empowering regulators to operate "sandboxes" through a cross-governmental committee for limited-time permits, or enacting a framework law for regulatory experimentation to allow for broader exemptions and easing of regulations for testing entities in Israel.