Introduction
Autonomous vehicles are those vehicles which do not require any human intervention. They can navigate and operate without humans by using sensors, cameras and AI to perceive the environment. They are also known as Self driving cars or driver less cars. The autonomous vehicles are developed to increase convenience, safety and efficiency. It has a potential to reduce the traffic congestion as well as accidents. The technology used in these vehicles is radar, lasers, and cameras to understand the surroundings. This data is used to interpret information, detect obstacles, and navigate without a human driver and in this article we will know everything about laws governing autonomous vehicles.
Need of Laws for Autonomous Vehicles (Self-Driving Cars)
While these vehicles promise safety and efficiency, there are some serious social, ethical and legal concerns as well. We’ll discuss why law is necessary for autonomous vehicles.
- If autonomous vehicles meet with an accident, it is uncertain whether the driver, owner, manufacturer, or software developer will be responsible. Existing motor vehicle laws are based on human fault and do not have provisions for autonomous vehicles, which operates without any human intervention
- Since public safety and interest is involved, there must be strict provision for testing, certification, and safety standards. This is essential under Art 21 of the Constitution.
- Autonomous vehicles collect huge amounts of personal data, like location and travel history. So laws are necessary to protect data privacy and prevent misuse.
- These autonomous vehicles are vulnerable to Cyber attacks and hacking, which may cause serious accidents and threaten national security. Hence, strict Cyber laws are required.
- There must be a provision for compulsory insurance and compensation framework must be designed so that victims will get the on time relief.
Guidelines for Self-driving cars in India
- Licensing and operation: – Regulations make it mandatory to have a license for user-in charge models as well as a permit for passenger services. The vehicle must meet self-driving standards all the times and it’s the sole responsibility of the developer and the manufacturer.
- Liability: – Liability is shifted to a manufacturer or developer if the autonomous vehicles meet with an accident. Some jurisdictions have passed laws to have mandatory insurance cover so that damages can be recovered in case of accident by autonomous vehicles.
- Testing and safety:- Regulations requires testing capacity such as – ability of an autonomous vehicles to detect an obstacles, if they follow traffic signs and rules, reactions to other users on the road, etc. United Nations Economic commission for Europe also set up International safety standards.
- Data and privacy:- Sensitive data is collected so its vulnerable for hacking. Hence, application of Information Technology, Act 200 is relevant for data privacy and security.
General Rules for Flying a Drone in India
As per India’s national aviation authority, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, flying a drone is legal in India, but one must comply with the drone regulations. Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India. For commercial purposes, they need to lease the drone to an Indian entity who in-turn will obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN) and UAOP from DGCA.
Most important rules to know for flying a drone in India
- Requirement of UIN: – All drones except those in the Nano category must be registered and issued a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
- Permit required: – A permit is required for commercial drone operations (except for those in the Nano category flown below 50 feet and those in the Micro category flown below 200 feet).
- Line of sight: – Drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight at all times while flying.
- Remote Pilot License: A license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is required to operate most drones, except for drones less than 2 kg used for non-commercial purposes and Nano-drones.
- Flying restriction: – Drones cannot be flown more than 400 feet vertically. Drones cannot be flown in areas specified as “No Fly Zones”, which include areas near airports, international borders, Vijay Chowk in Delhi, State Secretariat Complex in State Capitals, strategic locations, and military installations.
- Obtaining permission:- Permission to fly in controlled airspace can be obtained by filing a flight plan and obtaining a unique Air Defense Clearance (ADC)/Flight Information Center (FIC) number.
- No Permission, No Takeoff Rule: – Before every single flight, drone pilots are required to request permission to fly via a mobile app, which will automatically process the request and grant or reject it. India is calling their system “No Permission, No Takeoff” (NPNT). If a drone pilot tries to fly without receiving permission from the Digital Sky Platform, he or she will simply not be able to take off.
- Digital Sky Platform permission: – All drone operators will register their drone and request permission to fly for each flight Digital Sky Platform. through India’s The Digital Sky Platform and further details will be available on the DGCA website from December 1, 2018.
- Third-party insurance: Third-party insurance is mandatory before operating a drone.
- Enforcement: Violations can lead to penalties, suspension or cancellation of UIN, and actions under the Aircraft Act or relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023.
Conclusion
Autonomous vehicles found on the road are an evidence of scientific advancement. They promises safer roads, efficient transport, and reduced human error. However, their deployment raises legal, ethical, and liability concerns that existing laws must address. A clear regulatory framework is essential to ensure safety, accountability, and public trust
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Autonomous Vehicles
1. What are autonomous vehicles?
Autonomous vehicles are machines such as self-driving cars and drones that operate with very minimum or no human intervention using AI, sensors, and algorithms.
2. How do self-driving cars work?
They use sensors like LiDAR, cameras, GPS, and AI software to perceive surroundings, make decisions, and navigate roads safely.
3. What are autonomous drones used for?
Autonomous drones are used in surveillance, delivery services, agriculture, disaster management, and defense operations.
4. Are autonomous vehicles legal in India?
Currently, fully autonomous vehicles are not legally recognized in India; testing and use are subject to government permissions and regulatory oversight.
5. Who is liable in case of an accident involving an autonomous vehicle?
Liability may fall on manufacturers, software developers, owners, or operators depending on the cause, highlighting the need for clear liability laws.
6. What are the main safety concerns?
Cyber security risks, system failures, ethical decision-making, and unpredictability in real-world scenarios are major concerns.
7. How do autonomous vehicles affect privacy?
They collect vast amounts of data, raising concerns about surveillance, data misuse, and compliance with data protection laws.
8. What laws are needed for autonomous vehicles?
Specific laws covering safety standards, liability, data protection, insurance, and ethical AI use are essential.
9. Can autonomous vehicles reduce accidents?
Yes, by minimizing human error, they have the potential to significantly reduce road accidents.
10. What is the future of autonomous vehicles?
With proper regulation and technological advancements, autonomous vehicles are expected to transform transportation and logistics systems.
About Author
Ashwini Patil-Raulo is a budding writer and legal researcher with a keen interest in artificial intelligence and its impact on law and society. She enjoys exploring emerging legal issues, technology, and justice through research and thoughtful writing. Her work reflects curiosity, continuous learning, and a desire to understand how law can respond to technological change. Through her writing, she aspires to inform, inspire, and contribute to meaningful legal discourse.