Automated vehicle trialling code of practice
United Kingdom Β· Guideline Β· Department for Transport
Our summary
This non-binding code sets out safety expectations and legal requirements for organisations trialling automated vehicle technologies on UK public roads or other public places. It applies to trialling organisations and aims to promote safe testing while supporting innovation and public confidence. The code requires safety drivers, roadworthy vehicles, insurance, and the development of detailed safety cases proportionate to each trial.
Written by the Index in our own words. It is not legal advice; the official text is the authority.
Inside this policy
Every section of this policy in order. Our notes summarise each one in plain language and do not quote the official text, which is the authority.
Drafted by the Index An automated summary of the official text, not yet reviewed by a person.Reviewed Checked by a person against the official text.
7 sections
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Section 3 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981
4 sections
Drivers must operate vehicles with due care and attention, showing reasonable regard for other road users. Parents or guardians must ensure children under 14 wear seatbelts. These obligations apply to all persons responsible for driving vehicles on public roads and places in Northern Ireland.
Article 24 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
Drivers must maintain proper control and full visibility of the road and traffic, and must not use hand-held mobile devices while driving. Vehicles must not be used or permitted on the road if their condition, purpose, passengers or load pose a danger of injury to persons.
Article 54 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
Drivers must maintain adequate control of their vehicle and keep an unobstructed view ahead. Drivers involved in accidents must stop, share their details, and notify police within 24 hours. Vehicles must not be left running unattended, and drivers cannot use hand-held mobile devices.
Article 49 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
Drivers must comply with traffic signs and directions given by traffic survey personnel.
Article 50 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
Drivers must comply with applicable speed limits.
Part VI Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997
1 section
Vehicles must be operated in compliance with road markings.
Rule 238 Operating a vehicle in compliance with road markings
A separate code of practice provides guidance on vehicle permits and special exceptions needed for advanced trials of connected and automated vehicles on UK roads where standard regulations do not apply.
Controls
What this policy requires, forbids, grants or penalises, one control at a time and in our own words. Each control links to the official text, which is the authority. This is not legal advice.
Drafted by the Index Drafted automatically from the official text, not yet reviewed by a person.Reviewed Checked by a person against the official text.
Themes covered 3 of 35
Choose a theme to see only its controls. About the themes
Risk and scope 0 of 4
- Risk classification, not covered
- Prohibited practices, not covered
- Risk management system, not covered
- Impact assessment, not covered
Data and privacy 0 of 4
- Data governance and quality, not covered
- Data subject rights and consent, not covered
- Cross-border data transfer, not covered
- Copyright and training data, not covered
Transparency and records 0 of 4
- Transparency and disclosure to users, not covered
- Labelling of synthetic content, not covered
- Technical documentation, not covered
- Record keeping and logging, not covered
Technical safeguards 2 of 4
- Bias and non-discrimination, not covered
- Testing and evaluation, not covered
Assurance and lifecycle 1 of 4
- Conformity assessment and certification, not covered
- Registration and notification, not covered
- Post-market monitoring and corrective action, not covered
Rights and protected groups 0 of 4
- Automated decision-making rights, not covered
- Children and vulnerable groups, not covered
- Biometric identification and surveillance, not covered
- Whistleblowing, complaints and redress, not covered
Roles and organisation 0 of 6
- Supply chain and provider-deployer duties, not covered
- General purpose and foundation models, not covered
- Accountability and governance roles, not covered
- Training and AI literacy, not covered
- Public sector use and procurement, not covered
- Innovation support and sandboxes, not covered
Enforcement and sectors 0 of 5
- Enforcement, penalties and regulators, not covered
- Sector rules: health, not covered
- Sector rules: finance and insurance, not covered
- Sector rules: employment, not covered
- Sector rules: education, not covered
The full list of controls could not be loaded, so only the first 10 are shown.
Article 24 3 controls
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Drivers must maintain proper control and unobstructed visibility of the road and oncoming traffic.
- ProhibitionApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Drivers must not operate hand-held mobile devices or similar equipment while driving.
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
A vehicle's physical condition, designated purpose, passenger configuration or cargo must not create a realistic risk of injury to people on the road.
Article 54 5 controls
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
A driver who causes an accident must stop at the scene, supply their name, address and insurance information to other parties, and notify the police within 24 hours.
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Drivers must maintain proper control and unobstructed visibility of the road and oncoming traffic.
- ProhibitionApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
A running motor vehicle must not be left unattended.
- ProhibitionApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Drivers must not operate hand-held mobile devices or similar equipment while driving.
- ObligationApplies to: DeployerDrafted by the Index
Drivers must comply with traffic control directions issued by police officers on the road.
Article 49 1 control
- ObligationApplies to: AnyoneDrafted by the Index
Drivers must comply with traffic signs and directions given by traffic survey personnel.
Article 50 1 control
- ObligationApplies to: AnyoneDrafted by the Index
Drivers must comply with all applicable speed limits.
Change history
No changes recorded since we began monitoring this policy.