The Challenges of Autonomous Motor Vehicles for Queensland Road and Criminal Laws
16 QUT Law Review 59-81 (2016)
24 Pages Posted: 5 Oct 2016
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The Challenges of Autonomous Motor Vehicles for Queensland Road and Criminal Laws
The Challenges of Autonomous Motor Vehicles for Queensland Road and Criminal Laws
Date Written: October 5, 2016
Abstract
This article examines the challenges of autonomous motor vehicles for Queensland road and criminal laws. Autonomous vehicles refer to motor vehicles where driver decision making has been augmented or replaced by intelligent systems. Proponents of autonomous vehicles argue that they will virtually eliminate road accidents, boost productivity and provide significant environmental benefits. The key issue is that autonomous vehicles challenge the notion of human responsibility which lies at the core of Queensland’s road and criminal laws. The road rules are predicated on a driver in control of the vehicle, the intoxication regime is concerned with the person in charge of the vehicle and the dangerous driving offences require a person who operates a vehicle. Notwithstanding this challenge, it can be seen that much of Queensland’s law is adaptable to autonomous vehicles. However, there are some identifiable anomalies that require reform.
Keywords: Autonomous Vehicles, Road Law, Criminal Law
JEL Classification: K10, K14, K23, L62
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation