In an Autonomous Vehicle

The term "autonomous vehicle" refers to a road vehicle equipped with an automated driving system that can operate a vehicle at driving automation level 3, 4 or 5, as defined by SAE International Standard J3016.

In Brief

Although they are often used interchangeably, the terms "automated vehicle" and "autonomous vehicle" are not synonymous. An automated vehicle can be driven normally, with or without the intervention of a driver under certain conditions, whereas an autonomous vehicle can be operated without human monitoring or intervention. They are also known as "driverless vehicles" or "intelligent vehicles."

There are also "connected vehicles," which communicate with the driver, and other vehicles and other connected infrastructures using various technologies.

The arrival of autonomous vehicles and connected vehicles on our roads may have a positive impact, notably as regards the road safety record, traffic congestion and the transportation of goods, to name only those.

For the time being, autonomous vehicles are not sold to the public or in widespread operation in Québec.

In Québec

Amendments to the Highway Safety Code in 2018 not only introduced a definition of what constitutes an “autonomous vehicle”, but also opened the door to the implementation of pilot projects to test new modes of transportation and to regulate the operation of this new type of vehicle.

Testing the operation of an autonomous vehicle on the road network is only authorized when it is part of a pilot project. Only the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility can authorize pilot projects to test new modes of transportation that make use of technological innovations while ensuring that the safety of road users is not compromised. Pilot projects usually last for 5 years, but can be extended by up to 2 years.

Putting an autonomous vehicle into operation on a public road is therefore prohibited unless the vehicle is being tested as part of a pilot project. The only exception applies to vehicles with a driving automation level of 3, as defined by SAE International Standard J3016 provided that their sale is authorized in Canada. Consult the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAQ) Classification (PDF, 95.9 KB)⁠ ⁠.

With a view to properly overseeing the arrival of autonomous vehicles in Québec and their safe use on public roads, the Government of Québec has set up a joint committee of experts from the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (MTMD) and the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). This committee is in charge of analyzing all applications to test autonomous vehicles in Québec.

If you have any questions about the testing of autonomous vehicles in Québec, or if you would like to know more about how to proceed in order to submit a test project application, please send an email to vehiculesautonomes@transports.gouv.qc.ca This link opens your default email software..

How to submit an application for autonomous vehicle testing

The MTMD has created a guide for promoters (authorized vehicle manufacturers, distributors or operators) wanting to test autonomous vehicles on public roads in Québec. The Guide de démarrage d’un projet d’expérimentation de véhicules autonomes au Québec⁠ ⁠ (English version available upon request by contacting vehiculesautonomes@transports.gouv.qc.ca This link opens your default email software.) aims to specify the government’s minimum requirements for pilot project implementation. 

Promoters who wish to submit a test project must follow the steps described in the guide. 

To submit an autonomous vehicle test project application, promoters must email the documentation listed below to vehiculesautonomes@transports.gouv.qc.ca:

• a project submission that includes:  
  • the test project (e.g. brief description, presence of passengers and timeline)
  • the test project’s goals
  • the number of autonomous vehicles the promoter plans to put into operation as well as the makes, models and level of automation
  • the area where the test project will be carried out and a description of the planned route (e.g. speed limits, urban or rural areas, road infrastructure, etc.)
  • the steps that will be taken to ensure the test project does not disrupt the existing road infrastructure
  • the safety measures proposed to ensure a harmonious coexistence of the test vehicle with the other vehicles and road users
  • the measures taken to ensure compatibility between the vehicle’s capabilities, the environment and  urban test site
  • the project’s duration
  • a list of the business partners involved in the project
  • the technical and technological specifications of the test vehicle design (operational design domain [ODD]) 
• a test vehicle maintenance program that includes maintenance standards as well as the vehicle inspection frequency and procedures 
• any information that establishes the safety of the vehicle (e.g. prior testing results)
• where the applicant is an autonomous vehicle operator, written authorization from the manufacturer permitting the testing to be conducted by the operator
• proof of vehicle ownership or authorization from the owner of the vehicle to act within the scope of the test project 
• the training provided to the test vehicle drivers, including training documents and other learning tools 

A joint committee of representatives from the MTMD and the SAAQ is in charge of analyzing all applications to test autonomous vehicles in Québec. 

This committee can request further information if needed to analyze project submissions.

If you would like to know more about Québec’s autonomous vehicle testing process or how to proceed in order to submit a test project application, please send an email to vehiculesautonomes@transports.gouv.qc.ca This link opens your default email software..

Elsewhere

Most of the leading auto manufacturers and high-tech companies have committed to designing vehicles equipped with an automated driving system in the near future. Automated driving systems make it possible for the driver to completely relinquish control of the vehicle. There are many pilot projects currently underway, namely in the United States.