​The use of self-driving cars at speeds of up to 130 km/h has been permitted on motorways in Germany since 1 January 2023. The adjustment of the speed limit was decided last summer by the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and adopted by over 50 countries, including EU countries.

The USA, China and other countries regulate autonomous driving according to their own standards. However, the regulations and certifications for this expansion have yet to be adapted to road traffic regulations and certified by the Federal Motor Transport Authority, which is why the practical speed limit remains at 60 km/h for the time being.

Currently, there are only two vehicles that are allowed to drive automatically according to Level 3 in Germany: the S-Class and the EQS from Mercedes, provided they have the Drive Pilot system as an optional extra.

Mercedes said that there is currently no set timetable for the certification and approval of the Drive Pilot for speeds of 130 km/h, but that they are first concentrating on working on the parameters needed to enable the increase from 60 km/h to 130 km/h gradually and the adaptation of the Drive Pilot to the new regulation, Automobilwoche (paywall) reported.

Mercedes' system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while driving. The car corrects the lane, keeps the distance to the car in front and hands back to the driver when this is no longer possible.

The increase in the speed limit for autonomous driving is an important development as it will facilitate the use of autonomous vehicles in everyday life. It remains to be seen when the practical implementation of this extension will be possible and whether other manufacturers besides Mercedes will also dare to take the step towards Level 3.


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