Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority has set the Saudi Road Code for self-driving vehicles to enhance the kingdom’s infrastructure.
The Saudi Road Code aims to position the nation as a leading modern infrastructure hub. The code is set to optimize road quality, ensure safety while enhancing the economic efficiency and contributing to the sustainable development.
The main emphasis is on accommodating self-driving vehicles. The code requires the installation of smart communication devices along roadways to enable direct interaction with autonomous vehicles through advanced networks. By providing real-time information on road data, these devices ensure safety and improved traffic flow.
The Saudi Road Code acts as a comprehensive technical guide for all road authorities in Saudi Arabia. The code plays a significant role in providing these entities with the necessary information to effectively plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain all types of road.
It incorporates environmental considerations and the requirements of self-driving vehicles. The code seeks to ensure optimal road quality, safety, economic efficiency, and sustainability across Saudi Arabia by offering guidelines, drawings, procedures and checklists.
The code is currently in its testing phase, and the testing is expected to end by Q4 2024. The implementation of this code for all public institutions will commence in the early 2025. The Saudi Road Code plays a crucial role in enhancing the country’s road network, aligning with the future technological advancements.
This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving the goals of roads sector that prioritizes safety, traffic congestion and enhancing the user experience while improving the road quality. The kingdom seeks to advance its infrastructure by encouraging innovation.
