Compliance with the new Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) regulation

The new Automated Lane Keeping System regulation

In 2021, for the first time, 42 countries agreed uniform type approval requirements for automated driving functions (SAE Level 3), with the adoption of an internationally valid regulation for automated lane keeping systems. This means that manufacturers now have a reliable UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) regulation to guide them in the development of automated driving functions for international markets.

UNECE regulation UN R157 defines a strict set of criteria for passenger cars, governing how automated lane keeping systems should work. Manufacturers must comply with performance-based requirements for type approval, technical topics, audits and documentation, as well as proving ground tests and real-world conditions. In addition to UN R157, the ALKS system must be compliant with other UNECE regulations concerning cybersecurity (UN R155) and software updates (UN R156).

Since UNECE regulation UN R157: Automated Lane Keeping Systems - came into force in 2021, the relevant UN committees have been working on extending the system functionality. The 01 series of amendments to UN R157 will apply to participating countries from January 2023. The extension of the regulation represents a further milestone for the future of mobility.

The introduction of these three UNECE regulations - UN R157, UN R155 and UN R156 - gives OEMs and vehicle manufacturers a clear framework for providing vehicles with lane keeping system to SAE Level 3.

Key features of the UNECE regulations for ALKS and its 01 series of amendments:

• ALKS regulation is applicable for all vehicles with ALKS of class M and N, and allows now a maximum effective speed up to 130km/h (before the amendment in January 2023, the regulation was limited to M1 class vehicles and a maximum speed of 60 km/h).
• The amendment 01 of regulation UN R157, also enables lane changes through the Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) and the possibility for use of vehicle combinations.
• The ALKS can control the lateral and longitudinal movements of the vehicle on highway-like roads.
• Drivers no longer need to keep their hands on the steering wheel or otherwise prove attentiveness (although numerous provisions in the regulation refer to the monitoring of driver behaviour).
• Drivers should be able to take back control within a defined period of time, if prompted to do so by the lane keeping system.

Why is compliance important for vehicles with ALKS?

Complying with the UNECE regulation for ALKS will allow OEMs and vehicle manufacturers to legally provide customers with ALKS systems. Upon demonstrating ALKS compliance, manufacturers will be able to sell cars with automated lane keeping systems in some of the world's largest automotive markets.

Cars with lane keeping systems have been available for several years now. However, until the UNECE regulation was introduced, there was no internationally standardised approach for the more highly automated SAE Level 3 systems. The UNECE regulations for ALKS means OEMs and vehicle manufacturers can now implement an automated driving system in series-production vehicles.

Proving that you meet the UNECE regulation also builds trust among customers who may have doubts about the safety of automated lane keeping systems.

TÜV SÜD offers tailor-made solutions to help OEMs comply with the UNECE regulation for ALKS

TÜV SÜD has decades of experience in assessing vehicle systems for functional safety, cybersecurity, and physical and virtual testing. We have been involved in testing the safety and security of automated and connected vehicles for several years and we act as your competent partner. As a member of various committees, we are in continual dialogue with approval authorities and therefore have in-depth knowledge of the UNECE regulations and how to apply them. TÜV SÜD supports OEMs, vehicle manufacturers and software providers in all matters concerning new UNECE regulations. We offer you a wide range of specialised services designed to facilitate the rapid implementation of SAE Level 3 driving functionality in compliance with the new UN type approval regulations.

TÜV SÜD is your one-stop solution provider for compliance with UNECE regulations. By partnering with us, you will receive the following benefits:

• Our know-how of the UNECE regulations and their application is at the cutting edge in the automotive world.
• We perform highly qualified safety inspections that ensure fulfilment with individual ALKS requirements and can create a range of tailored state-of-the-art products and services for you.
• We give you additional clarity regarding the conformity status of your automated driving system.
• We are your single source service provider that will ensure all key activities are handled by the same team, which streamlines communication, increases efficiency and minimises time-to-market.
• Our ALKS compliance services and products have been tested and validated, and are ready for successful implementation.
• We provide you with technical reports that enable safety argumentations in communication with relevant committees and authorities.

Our Automated Lane Keeping System assessment services

TÜV SÜD helps you comply with the new UNECE regulations. We offer you a wide range of specialised services designed to facilitate the rapid implementation of SAE Level 3 driving functionality.

Our ALKS system assessment services include:

• Enabling services
• Preliminary tests
• Vehicle tests
• Comprehensive dynamic tests

Our assessment of automated driving functionality also covers specialist services relating to:

• Vehicle and operational safety
• Functional safety and Safety of the Intended Function (SOTIF)
• Cybersecurity and software updates [UN R155; UN R156]
• Physical and virtual tests

We also help you to assess your plans for design and deployment of ALKS:

• Methodical support in the establishment of processes and methods from a technical service perspective
• Early detection of weaknesses in the development phase
• Identification of thematic overlaps and interactions on technical and processual levels (e.g. functional safety, SOTIF, cybersecurity testing)

We also offer long-term support to ensure you remain compliant with ALKS type approval:

• Performing ongoing conformity checks
• Issuing relevant documents and technical reports
• Evaluating the validity of the virtual methods employed

If you wish to provide SAE Level 3 ALKS systems that conform to the UNECE regulations, TÜV SÜD is your one-stop partner for compliance.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your ALKS type approval process