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

Young drivers might soon be banned from driving at night
The UK may introduce Graduated Driving Licences, placing limits on young drivers. Discover the proposed changes and who’s backing them.
Jun 30, 2025
The most significant McLaren road car collection ever assembled is up for sale
Explore the iconic McLaren collection of Mansour Ojjeh. 20 rare models, mostly unused, are now on the market for over £50 million.
Jun 30, 2025
Lotus U-Turns on UK factory closure after Government steps in
Lotus’ Hethel plant faced closure and 1,300 job losses—until a government intervention kept UK production alive.
Jun 30, 2025
Speeding fines are up 87% since 2011 - Is speeding the new normal?
Think you’re sticking to the speed limit? Stats say otherwise. Here’s why speeding is still a massive issue in the UK.
Jun 30, 2025