Driving Automation Systems: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS)

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Driving Automation Systems: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Project Introduction Driving Automation Systems: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS) More and more frequently, vehicles are being equipped with technology to assist human drivers. A number of companies are testing vehicles with automated driving systems, often referred to as autonomous vehicles, automated vehicles, of self-driving cars.  While the state and federal governments are responsible for the majority of Automated Driving Systems regulations, the SFMTA is studying how these emerging technologies will affect transportation in San Francisco.  The SFMTA is exploring the most effective ways the agency can help shape these new technologies to support  San Francisco’s goal of having a safe, equitable and sustainable transportation system. Background “Driving automation” refers to both Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS). ADAS features on a vehicle support human drivers while an ADS may ultimately be able to operate a vehicle without a human driver. The industry has identified six levels of driving automation , found on the Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE) website. ADAS features (Levels 0-2) are available in new cars sold today and include automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. When these features are used appropriately, they can improve driver safety and prevent collisions. More information on driver assistance technologies can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. ADS technology (Levels 3-5) that may be able to operate a vehicle with limited or no human driver is currently under development. There is limited but more frequent, testing of ADS equipped vehicles on San Francisco streets.  All vehicles currently testing in San Francisco are supervised by a safety driver. ADS Testing and Deployment Permits on Public Roads Pursuant to the California Vehicle Code Section 38750, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is authorized to permit the testing and deployment of vehicles with ADS on public roads in California. The DMV has three permit programs that a company developing ADS can apply for: a testing permit, which requires a safety driver behind the wheel a driverless testing permit a deployment (public use) permit These permits allow for testing or deployment on any public road in the State, including San Francisco streets. Requirements for each permit program vary. Additional information about the testing regulations, permit programs and requirements, and permit holders can be found on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. Should you have any feedback you would like to share with the DMV regarding your experience with ADS equipped vehicles testing on public roads, please use the following email address: AVFeedback@dmv.ca.gov . ADS Passenger Service Pilot Programs The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorized two pilot programs allowing for vehicles with ADS to test private, prearranged transportation of passengers. The pilot programs include a permit for: ADS Passenger Service with a Driver that allows for the provision of passenger service in test AVs with a driver in the vehicle. Driverless ADS Passenger Service that allows for the provision of passenger service in test AVs without a driver in the vehicle. Additional information about the pilot programs, requirements and permits issued can be found on the California Public Utilities Commission website. The CPUC’s contact information is below: Email: TransportationPrograms@cpuc.ca.gov Mail: CPUC Transportation License Section 505 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 The SFMTA does not permit the testing or deployment of vehicles with ADS. However, if you would like to share feedback about your experience with ADS equipped vehicles on public roads, please email us at ADS@SFMTA.com Federal Authority Over ADS Safety The United State’s Department of Transportation, through the NHTSA, has primary responsibility for regulating existing and emerging automotive technologies and equipment and for mitigating safety risks associated with their design, construction or performance. More information about NHTSA’s approach to regulating the safety of ADAS features and vehicles with ADS can be found on the NHTSA website. Project Timeline Outreach and Engagement Fall/Winter 2019 Pending Project Status Planning Contact Information ADS Team ADS@SFMTA.com