SAE levels of driving automation

The full SAE Levels, which are now standard in the US and internationally where SAE regulations are observed, are as follows:

Level 0:
No automation

The full-time performance by the human driver of all aspects of the dynamic driving task, even when enhanced by warning or intervention systems.

Level 1:
Driver Assistance

The driving mode-specific execution by a driver assistance system of either steering or acceleration/deceleration using information about the driving environment and with the expectation that the human driver perform all remaining aspects of the dynamic driving task.

Level 2:
Partial automation

The driving mode-specific execution by one or more driver assistance systems of both steering and acceleration/deceleration using information about the driving environment and with the expectation that the human driver perform all remaining aspects of the dynamic driving task. Automated driving system (“system”) monitors the driving environment.

Level 3:
Conditional automation

The driving mode-specific performance by an automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task with the expectation that the human driver will respond appropriately to a request to intervene.

Level 4:
High automation

The driving mode-specific performance by an automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task, even if a human driver does not respond appropriately to a request to intervene.

Level 5:
Full automation

The full-time performance by an automated driving system of all aspects of the dynamic driving task under all roadway and environmental conditions that can be managed by a human driver.

Global penetration rates of autonomous light vehicles by SAE definition, 2015-2033, (%)