UK introduces new self‑driving car regulations, tech secretary pledges support

The Labour government has published the Automated Vehicles (Marketing Restrictions) Regulations 2026, a statutory instrument that reserves specific terms such as “self‑driving”, “autonomous” and “driverless” for vehicles that have received authorisation under the Automated Vehicles Act. The rules aim to prevent misleading marketing, protect public safety and build trust, with breaches punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine or both. Enforcement will be handled by the Department for Transport.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall urged backing for UK‑based autonomous‑vehicle firms, warning that without support the market could be dominated by US and Chinese companies. She highlighted the London startup Wayve, which will launch robotaxi pilots in partnership with Uber, and noted competition from Alphabet’s Waymo and Baidu. Kendall also stressed AI as a strategic priority and pointed to the government’s £500 million Sovereign AI unit as a key investment.