The update to the Motor Vehicle Act prohibits not only Level 3 but also more advanced Levels 4 and 5 automated driving systems. This regulation affects notably high-tech vehicles such as the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS, which possess Level 3 capabilities.
The decision to update the Motor Vehicle Act was made to ensure safety on public roads by controlling the deployment of what authorities consider still experimental technology.
The Society of Automative Engineers (SAE) classifies vehicle automation with a 0 to 5-level system. Level 0 has no automation, while Levels 1 and 2 have automated driver-assistance features (e.g. lane change assist or automatic braking). Levels 3 to 5 have highly automated self-driving capabilities, which do not require a person to be driving when automated features are engaged.
Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure said, "These new regulations will keep people safer on our roads and encourage even more use of active transportation. It’s another step in modernizing our rules to keep up with new technologies that are changing how people are getting around."
Violations of this new rule carry heavy penalties including fines ranging from $368 to $2,000 in Canadian currency or up to six months in jail.
Source: British Columbia Government
