Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
About us Faculty of Science and Engineering Our Research CogniGron

CogniGron Seminar: Nynke Vellinga (UG) - "Automated driving: legal hurdles on the road ahead"

When:We 17-11-2021 14:00 - 15:00
Where:Online. Webink can be found in the announcement.


The development of increasingly automated vehicles challenges legislators, as current legal frameworks often not accommodate these vehicles. Multiple legal questions arise, ranging from questions on traffic laws (does a fully automated vehicle need to obey the same traffic rules as a human driver?) to liability (who is liable for damage caused by an automated vehicle?) and insurance (should current insurance for motor vehicles by redesigned?). Traffic laws are generally centered around the notion of driver, causing legal problems as the driving task is taken over from the human driver by vehicle automation. In addition, as the control transfers from the human driver to the vehicle, legal challenges concerning especially product liability arise. The EU product liability framework dates back to the 1980’s and it is therefore no surprise that the framework is not sufficiently equipped to deal with matters of product liability for damage caused by automated vehicles. Definitions need rethinking, as do defences available to the producer.

More about Nynke
Faculty of Law
Transboundary Legal Studies — Faculty Board
Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat 26
9712 EK Groningen
The Netherlands

Email: n.e.vellinga rug.nl