Login
My Garage
New hero

Motorists will not be liable for crashes in self-driving cars… and you can even watch TV behind the wheel!

By Tom Gibson | April 25, 2022

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

Department for Transport says insurance companies, rather than individuals, will be liable for claims in the event of a crash if self-driving cars are involved in collisions

The introduction of self-driving cars to the UK’s roads has taken a giant leap forward after the DfT ruled drivers themselves will not be held responsible should their car be involved in a crash.

In an announcement that will be surprising to many, drivers will even be able to legally watch TV behind the wheel under proposed changes to the Highway Code.

However, the update to the Highway Code also makes it clear that motorists must be ready to take back control of their car whenever needed – this meaning it will still be illegal to use your phone.

No self-driving cars are allowed on the UK’s roads unless the driver is in constant and full control, but these changes could spell the way for that to change as early as later this year.  

Transport minister Trudy Harrison said updating the Highway Code will be a "major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles", which she claimed will "revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable".

She added: "This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we're ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.

"In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain's place as a global science superpower."

The DfT believes that the development of self-driving vehicles could create around 38,000 new jobs in Britain and be worth £41.7 billion to the economy by 2035.

Related Articles

North Yorkshire’s first permanent speed camera knocked down just hours before going live
North Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation and confirmed they believe the damage was intentional
Jul 02, 2025
Geely to Launch Its Own Electric Car Brand in the UK – EX5 SUV Leads the Way
The first model to arrive will be the Geely EX5, a compact electric SUV set to rival the likes of the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3 and Renault...
Jul 02, 2025
You can save big on your car insurance by simply asking
Find out how simple haggling can save you up to £200 on your car insurance renewal. Learn tips to challenge price hikes and get a better...
Jul 02, 2025