Highly automated civilian vehicles: classification issues

Abstract

Introduction. In the context of the rapid development of digital technologies and intelligent transportation systems, the legal regulation of highly automated vehicles (HAVs) is becoming strategically significant. The article examines theoretical and legal approaches to the classification of highly automated vehicles (HAVs).

Materials and Methods. The study is based on the analysis of Russian legislation, program and strategic documents, as well as international standards and recommendations in the field of highly automated transport. Works by Russian administrative scholars and legal theorists, focusing on classification issues and a systematic approach, were used as the theoretical foundation. The methodological basis of the study includes formal-legal, comparative-legal, and systemic methods, which allow identifying the relationship between the technical characteristics of HAVs and their legal status.

Analysis. The article identifies and scientifically substantiates the key criteria for classifying HAVs, including the level of automation, area of application, operating environment, and nature of interaction with road infrastructure and other road users. An original four-level classification model is proposed, taking into account both the technical parameters of HAV operation and their regulatory and legal significance. It is shown that the lack of a legally stable classification complicates issues of certification, permission to participate in road traffic, allocation of legal responsibility, as well as the integration of HAVs into digital traffic management platforms.

Results. Based on the analysis conducted, it is concluded that there is a need to legally establish the classification of highly automated vehicles in Russian legislation in order to ensure legal certainty, systematization, and coherence in cross-sectoral regulation.