South Korea firstly released the "Regulations on safe driving requirements and testing of autonomous driving vehicles" in 2016 to regulate the operation of autonomous driving trials, stipulate the road test application process, system control mode, display device requirements, and accident recorder installation, speed limit and collision prevention etc. In 2017, the second edition was published to supplement the accident responsibility description and test operation specifications, changing the requirement that the driver of the previous test vehicle must carry more than one passenger into the driver qualification requirements, and adding some special provision for new technologies such as unmanned vehicles. The third edition released in 2018 with amendments that when the same autonomous vehicle reapplies for a temporary driving license, the authorization process is simplified to shorten the time required for authorization. The latest revision was made on March 22, 2021. South Korea released this fourth edition to update the autonomous driving road test technology and management regulations, aiming to match the development of autonomous driving technology and to support the commercialization of autonomous driving to a greater extent.

1. Definition update

The main content of this revision is the addition of a new definition for autonomous driving vehicles classification. MOLIT made a new definition of autonomous driving vehicles based on the structure and technical characteristics, dividing the types of autonomous driving vehicles into A, B and C types.

According to Article 3-1, the types of autonomous driving vehicles are as follows.

(1) Type A self-driving car: A type of self-driving car with a steering wheel and accelerator/braking pedals, only a test driver, or a test driver and occupants

(2) Type B self-driving car: A type of self-driving car without a steering wheel and accelerator/braking pedals, only a test driver, or a test driver and occupants. * (Example) Self-driving shuttle without driver's seat

(3) Type C self-driving car: A type of self-driving car that transports cargo or performs special functions in a structure in which test drivers and passengers cannot ride. * (Example) Unmanned self-driving delivery vehicle

2. Technical requirements update

Some specific technical requirements are also adjusted according to Type A, B and C of autonomous driving vehicles. For example, Article 10 control devices, Article 14 warning devices, Article 17 driving record devices and Article 20 designation and management of test drivers, etc., supplemented the technical requirements corresponding to type A, B and C.

This revision also further clarifies and supplements the technical requirements of the third edition of 2018, such as Article 16 maximum speed limit and frontal collision prevention function, clarified the frontal collision prevention, and requires that according to the characteristics of the test operation area, avoid or reduce collisions with surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, bicycle riders and other objects, and also add a new point that requires the installation of an automatic braking system to prevent slipping when parking on a slope.

3. Management requirements update

In terms of management requirements, new requirements for temporary road tests of unmanned autonomous vehicles (Type C) and special requirements for manned autonomous vehicles (Type A and Type B) have been added. In addition, the new version has added an additional requirement for applying for a temporary operating license. Manufacturers, approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, who meet the self-certification requirements can relax some application requirements for a temporary operating license.

The revision of the "Regulations on safe driving requirements and testing of autonomous driving vehicles" is one of the most important steps of South Korea's autonomous driving layout. In terms of autonomous driving regulations and specifications, in addition to this rule, it is worth mentioning that on December 30, 2019, MOLTI revised KMVSS, which is the homologation framework regulation in South Korea, to supplement the definition and safety technical requirements of autonomous driving.

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