Singapore seeks industry, public feedback on legal framework for autonomous vehicles

Singapore is committed to ensuring the safety of AVs, while supporting industry development and innovation with new technology in the transport sector, said MOT.

“Our current road traffic framework is designed with human drivers in mind, not AVs,” it noted.

“The proposed AV legislation will clarify the safety regulations, as well as the liability, insurance and enforcement regimes for the operation of AVs. This gives businesses the legal clarity they need to operate AVs, while giving assurance to commuters.”

The consultation comes after self-driving shuttle services were rolled out in Punggol in April, after being trialled for over half a year.

The trial allowed the government to study how AVs can operate in Singapore’s context, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow told Parliament during the Committee of Supply debates.

If the Punggol rollout goes well, Mr Siow said that he intends to expand AV trials to other parts of Singapore, including Sentosa, Tuas and Mandai.