자율주행자동차 운행의 법적 문제에 관한 시론(試論)

Autonomous driving vehicles or driverless cars are receiving wide attention as they will enable elders and persons with disabilities to drive while still retaining driving convenience, safety and reduction in car accidents. However, there are also high level of objections due to technical problems, safety issues and other social problems. For such new technology to be wide spread in legal perspective, social acceptability becomes more problematic including permitting related technology and institutional adjustment and legal foundation for management purposes. This paper identifies legal issues and future tasks pertinent to drives of autonomous driving vehicles. As it is anticipated that commercialization of autonomous driving vehicles will occur in response to incremental technological developments, this paper first inquires into the developmental stage of the technology to enable legal discussions. Next, it is reviewed whether or not the drive of autonomous driving vehicles is allowed by current legislative system and the kind of improvements required is searched, if the drive is not allowed. With respect to car accidents involving autonomous driving vehicles, this paper looks into criminal and civil liabilities. Lastly, this paper examines other legal issues relating to autonomous driving vehicles. In addition to legal ones, there are various preliminary problems for commercialization of autonomous driving vehicles. With maturing of technological development and socioeconomic discussions, the legislative system must be prepared and operated accordingly.