Employers call for change

After presenting its first Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Report, the manufacturers’ association ANFAC is calling for a regulatory change so that cars with level 4 autonomy (those that can drive themselves) can legally circulate. Employers believe that with this type of vehicle, mobility will become more reliable and safer.

“If we want the autonomous and connected vehicle to become a reality, we need decisive action from the Administration to allow vehicles with fully automated driving functions up to SAE level 4 to circulate, as is being done in other European countries such as France and Germany,” says José López-Tafall, Director General of ANFAC.

The organisation recalls that many brands already have models on the market above SAE level 2 (the maximum level permitted in Spain) but the regulations have yet to authorise the use of these vehicles in an automated way.

In view of the above, the manufacturers’ association justifies and insists on the need to make changes to the General Road Traffic Regulations by 2023 so that vehicles with autonomous capabilities can circulate freely on Spanish roads.

What are the SAE levels?

These are the SAE levels set in 2014 by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), revised in 2018.

• SAE 0: Manual driving. The driver is responsible for all driving tasks.

• SAE 1: Vehicles are fitted with driving aids which can control lateral or longitudinal movement, but never both at the same time. These are technologies such as the emergency braking or adaptive cruise control.

• SAE 2: The driver is solely responsible for steering, but assistants can control both lateral and longitudinal movements at the same time. In other words, the car is capable of accelerate, braking and staying in lane, and even taking gentle bends on the motorway. But it requires hands on the steering wheel.

• SAE 3: The automated driving system can take control over the vehicle and perform most functions (including autonomous overtaking), but the driver remains solely responsible.

• SAE 4: The vehicle can operate autonomously without driver intervention, except when the car is outside its pre-designed operating range. If there is no driver on board, there may be a remote operator to take control if necessary.

• SAE 5: Autonomous driving system: the vehicle can dispense with a driver.

What do regulations in other countries in Europe say?

In Germany, SAE level 3 vehicles have been allowed to circulate since 2017, and since 2021 some SAE 4 driving functions have been approved for defined and controlled areas. France, on the other hand, although it does not have a specific regulation for SAE level 3. Spain is ranked 12th by ANFAC.