Legal Framework for Testing of Automated Vehicles in France

Movement of experimental automated vehicles on public roads naturally raises serious concerns over safety of the participants in the road traffic, as well as of surrounding movable and immovable property. Therefore, the establishment of clear rules is necessary which aim to minimize the risks associated with the experiment and the potential damages caused. In the last ten years the French lawmaker developed an overall legal framework of experiments with automated vehicles with the highest level of automation. The present article analyzes the legal regulation laid down in France which encompasses the safety requirements as well as the criminal liability associated with testing of automated vehicles in real conditions.