AUSTRALIAN drivers won’t see nationally consistent rules for self-driving cars until 2027, despite autonomous vehicles already hitting the roads.
The Federal Government has confirmed it will finalise road rules, regulations, and technical and cybersecurity standards for automated vehicles by then, under the new National Road Transport Technology Strategy (NRTTS) and the 2024-27 National Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Action Plan.
These frameworks replace earlier plans from 2016-23 that aimed to prepare Australia for the rollout of automated technology.
The strategy addresses key issues including safety, accessibility, security, data privacy, and interoperability. It also seeks to close gaps in federal, state and territory laws so automated vehicles can operate safely.
Transport Minister Catherine King said the plan “builds on existing work … to ensure these new technologies are fit for purpose” as vehicle technology evolves.
But the move comes after Tesla quietly made its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system available in Australia, giving some drivers the ability to test automated features without a national regulatory framework in place.
Tesla owners can now access FSD for a $10,100 one-off payment or $149 per month.
Experts warn the rollout has effectively made drivers “guinea pigs” on Australian roads, with legal responsibility still unclear.
The CAV Action Plan also aims to establish a national Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL) to clarify corporate and driver responsibilities. The legislation is expected to guide insurers on the coverage of self-driving vehicles.
With automated cars already on local roads, the Government’s two-year timeline highlights the gap between emerging technology and regulatory oversight – and the legal uncertainty drivers face in the meantime.
Information Age
