No, a fully autonomous self-driving car is programmed to obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, and cannot intentionally drive over them. This is a fundamental safety principle embedded in its driving software. The system uses a combination of GPS, high-definition maps, and camera-based sign recognition to determine the current speed limit and will adjust the vehicle's speed accordingly.
However, the real-world situation is more nuanced. The car's programming prioritizes safety above strict legal adherence in certain scenarios. For instance, if a car in front is traveling significantly below the speed limit, the autonomous system might initiate a safe pass maneuver, which could involve a temporary, minimal increase in speed to complete the overtake efficiently. The core programming is to avoid breaking the law, but its primary directive is collision avoidance.
The technology's ability to accurately read speed limits is also a factor. While HD maps provide pre-loaded data, temporary signs in construction zones can be challenging. If the car misreads a sign or the map data is outdated, it could theoretically travel at an incorrect speed. Manufacturers are continuously improving sign recognition algorithms to minimize these errors.
From a legal and liability perspective, the question is critical. If a self-driving car exceeds the speed limit and is involved in an accident, determining fault becomes complex. Is it the manufacturer's software error, a failure in sensor data interpretation, or a mapping data issue? Current regulations are still catching up to this technology, but the design intention is clear: these vehicles are built to be law-abiding drivers by default.
| Scenario | Can the car exceed the speed limit? | Rationale |
|---|
| Normal Operation | No | Programmed to strictly adhere to posted limits via GPS and sign recognition. |
| Safe Passing Maneuver | Possibly, slightly | A brief, minimal increase may occur to safely overtake a slow-moving vehicle. |
| Emergency Avoidance | Yes | Primary directive is collision avoidance, which may supersede speed laws. |
| System Error/Misread Sign | Unintentionally | If sensors misread a temporary sign, the car may operate at an incorrect speed. |
| Legal Liability | Designed not to | Manufacturers program them to obey laws to limit their own liability. |
