Levels of Driving Automation as Defined by SAE International Standard J3016

With the goal of providing common terminology for automated driving, SAE International’s new standard J3016: Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to On-Road Motor Vehicle Automated Driving Systems, delivers a harmonized classification system and supporting definitions that:

• Identify six levels of driving automation from “no automation” to "full automation."
• Base definitions and levels on functional aspects of technology.
• Describe categorical distinctions for a step-wise progression through the levels.
•  Are consistent with current industry practice.
• Eliminate confusion and are useful across numerous disciplines (engineering, legal, media and public discourse).
• Educate a wider community by clarifying for each level what role (if any) drivers have in performing the dynamic driving task while a driving automation system is engaged.