Hong Kong transport department issues pilot licence for autonomous vehicle

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Hong Kong Transport Department declared on 29 November 2024, that the first autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot license has been granted. This license permits testing of ten autonomous vehicles in North Lantau. In the first phrase, only one autonomous private vehicle will be allowed to drive on designated road segments. During the testing, the vehicle will be operated by the onboard backup operator if needed.

The Transport Department will review the applicant’s autonomous system’s design operating range and functions, any applicable national or international standards or guidelines, and the road test scenarios before granting a pilot’s license in compliance with the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of autonomous vehicle.

The new autonomous vehicle laws and regulations has been in effect from March 1, 2024.

The government had also established a $1 billion Smart Traffic Fund in 2021 to give local businesses or organizations financial help for research and implementation of innovations and technologies connected to vehicles.