Definitions for Part 12.1

303.1   In this Part:

"automated driving system" means a system that performs dynamic driving tasks to operate a vehicle, with limited or no need for any dynamic driving task to be performed by a human driver;

"automated vehicle" means a motor vehicle with an automated driving system;

"drive", in relation to an automated vehicle, includes cause the operation of the vehicle, with or without the automated driving system being engaged;

"dynamic driving task" means a task required for

(a) an operational aspect of driving, such as steering, braking, accelerating and monitoring the vehicle and roadway, or

(b) a tactical aspect of driving, such as responding to events and determining when to change lanes, turn, use signals or sound the horn,

but does not include a task required for the strategic aspect of driving, such as determining destinations;

"Level 3 automated vehicle" means an automated vehicle with an automated driving system that is capable of operating at the driving automation level named and defined, under the SAE standard, as Level 3, conditional driving automation;

"Level 4 automated vehicle" means an automated vehicle with an automated driving system that is capable of operating at the driving automation level named and defined, under the SAE standard, as Level 4, high driving automation;

"Level 5 automated vehicle" means an automated vehicle with an automated driving system that is capable of operating at the driving automation level named and defined, under the SAE standard, as Level 5, full driving automation;

"SAE standard" means the SAE International standard SAE J3016 Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles.

Prohibitions in relation to automated vehicles

303.2   Unless the regulations provide otherwise, a person must not drive, or permit the driving of, any of the following on a highway:

(a) a Level 3 automated vehicle;

(b) a Level 4 automated vehicle;

(c) a Level 5 automated vehicle.

Regulations respecting automated vehicles

303.3   (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations respecting Level 3 automated vehicles, Level 4 automated vehicles and Level 5 automated vehicles, including, without limitation, any of the following:

(a) providing for Level 3 automated vehicles, Level 4 automated vehicles or Level 5 automated vehicles to be driven on highways;

(a.1) providing that Level 3 automated vehicles, Level 4 automated vehicles or Level 5 automated vehicles may only be driven on highways if they are zero-emission vehicles within the meaning of the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act;

(b) establishing prohibitions, limits, powers, duties, requirements, conditions or criteria respecting the use or driving of Level 3 automated vehicles, Level 4 automated vehicles or Level 5 automated vehicles, including in relation to any of the following:

(i) users, drivers, operators or passengers of the automated vehicles;

(ii) persons who own, rent or lease the automated vehicles;

(iii) reporting accidents and other specified matters;

(iv) safety measures;

(v) education and training;

(c) requirements respecting permits, insurance or financial security, including, without limitation, requiring insurance or financial security from manufacturers.

(2) In making a regulation under this Part, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may delegate a matter to, or confer a discretion on,

(a) the minister, superintendent or director, or

(b) the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

(3) The authority to make regulations under this Part does not limit, and is not limited by, the authority to make regulations under other provisions of this Act.