The Swiss Federal Council has adopted the ordinance regulating autonomous driving. It will start in March 2025 and three application areas are envisaged: autonomous driving on level 3 motorways, driverless vehicles in urban areas and automated parking
In the meeting of 13 December 2024 the Federal Council from the Swiss adopted the ordinance that regulates the use of autonomous driving on the country’s roads. This method, according to what is stated in the ordinance itself, “can increase road safety and improve traffic, as well as opening up new opportunities for the economy and transport services”.
The driverless car is on its way
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With the partial revision of the Federal Road Traffic Act (LCStr) decided in spring 2023, the Swiss Parliament created the conditions for automated driving on roads. Specifically, the ordinance provided three case studies specifications: autonomous driving on the highway, driverless vehicles in urban areas and automated parking.
On the motorway it will be possible to use level 3
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On the motorway it will be possible to use the automatic pilot compliant with the level 3. This means that once the system is activated, the driver will be able to take his hands off the steering wheel and will no longer be required to constantly monitor traffic and cars, while remaining ready to regain control of the car at any time, should the system require it. In this specific context, the car will regulate the speed, taking full control of the steering, brake and accelerator.
Driverless car even in the city
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The ordinance allows the circulation of driverless vehicles on officially authorized routes. The authorization will be the responsibility of the Cantons, who, for the evaluation of the requests, will be able to base themselves on the relevant instructions issued by the Federal Roads Office, making use of the advice of a specially constituted group of experts. Autonomous vehicles will have to be monitored by an external operator located in a central location. This will allow the operator to act in case of difficulty (for example if the driverless car is unable to continue). Switzerland sees the use of this type of vehicle as very profitable in the commercial sector, especially for everything related to the transport of goods to cover the last mile.
Independent parking
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The automatic parkingwithout the presence of the driver on board, in specially defined and signposted car parks and car parks. Also in this case, it is explained that the identification of suitable areas is up to the Cantons or Municipalities who may refer to the Instructions of the Ustra (Federal Roads Office) or to the dedicated group to evaluate the suitability of the spaces.
Registration is required
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Finally, it is specified that everyone Vehicles equipped with an automated driving system must be type-approved to be able to circulate. Manufacturers will have to demonstrate in detail how road safety and traffic flow are guaranteed when the system is in operation. Registration is the responsibility of the Cantons.
Switzerland leads the way
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Switzerland confirms itself as a cutting-edge country for everything that concerns the use of technology even in a particularly delicate area such as mobility. Autonomous driving and semi-autonomous driving if used in specific contexts could significantly reduce accidents. Among European countries, Germany has shown itself to be the most active, with the start of some tests of level 4 self-driving cars with passengers on board.
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