You will be provided with a reference and some statements. Please determine whether each statement is 'supported', 'unsupported', or 'unknown' with respect to the reference. Please note:
First, assess whether the reference contains any valid content. If the reference contains no valid information, such as a 'page not found' message, then all statements should be considered 'unknown'.
If the reference is valid, for a given statement: if the facts or data it contains can be found entirely or partially within the reference, it is considered 'supported' (data accepts rounding); if all facts and data in the statement cannot be found in the reference, it is considered 'unsupported'.

You should return the result in a JSON list format, where each item in the list contains the statement's index and the judgment result, for example:
[
    {
        "idx": 1,
        "result": "supported"
    },
    {
        "idx": 2,
        "result": "unsupported"
    }
]

Below are the reference and statements:
<reference>
First internationally valid system approval: Conditionally automated driving | Mercedes-Benz Group > Technology > Autonomous Driving > Driving

Mercedes-Benz is the first automotive company in the world to meet the demanding legal requirements of UN-R157 for a Level 3 system¹. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has granted system approval for this on the basis of the technical approval regulation UN-R157, thus paving the way for offering such a system internationally², provided that national legislation allows it.

Skip to main content

Skip to footer

Provider/Privacy

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Search

Company

Technology

Sustainability

Careers

Investors

Press

Products

Open menu

Our Products

Open menu

Provider/Privacy

Our Products

Company

Technology

Sustainability

Careers

Investors

Press

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Company

Company

Overview

Strategy

Divisions

Corporate Governance

Works Council

Production

Tradition

Locations

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Technology

Technology

Overview

E-Mobility

Autonomous Driving

Digitalisation

Innovation

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Sustainability

Sustainability

Overview

Environment & Climate

Resources & Circularity

Human Rights

Traffic Safety

Digital Trust

People

Society & Governance

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Careers

Careers

Overview

About us

Pupils

Students

Graduates

International Talent Program

Professionals

Job search

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Investors

Investors

Overview

Share

Reports & News

ESG

Refinancing

Key Figures

Events

Services

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Press

Press

Overview

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Divisions

Overview

Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz Vans

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Corporate Governance

Overview

Board of Management

Supervisory Board

Managers' Transactions

Declarations & Reports

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Tradition

Overview

Company History

Founders & Pioneers

CEOs

Mercedes-Benz Brand

Museums & Historical Sites

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

E-Mobility

Overview

Electric Drive

Hybrid

Charging

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Autonomous Driving

Overview

Driving

Parking

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Digitalisation

Overview

Artificial Intelligence

Operating System

Connectivity

Digital Services

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Innovation

Overview

Research

Development

Vision

Collaboration

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Environment & Climate

Overview

Decarbonisation

Environmental Management

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Resources & Circularity

Overview

Materials

Recycling

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Human Rights

Overview

Principles

Human Rights Respect System

Supply Chains

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Traffic Safety

Overview

Accident Research

Safe Driving

Traffic Safety Initiatives

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Digital Trust

Overview

Handling of Data

Handling of AI

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

People

Overview

Diversity

Health

Learning

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Society & Governance

Overview

Compliance & Integrity

Stakeholder Engagement

Corporate Social Responsibility

Advocacy

Attitude

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

About us

Overview

Work Culture

Insights

All about IT @Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Operating System

Artificial Intelligence

Locations

Events

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Pupils

Overview

Vocational training

Dual study

School work experience

Holiday jobs

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Students

Overview

Internship

Thesis

Working student

Holiday jobs

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Graduates

Overview

Inspire - Your Journey of Growth

Doctorates

Direct entry

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Professionals

Overview

Direct entry

Mercedes-Benz Management Consulting

Mercedes-Benz Dealerships

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Share

Overview

Outlook

Dividend

Share buyback

Shareholder Structure

Analysts

Effective Share Certificates

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Reports & News

Overview

Annual Reports

Interim Reports

Ad hoc

Voting Rights

Financial News

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Refinancing

Overview

Rating

Bonds

Green Finance

Asset-Backed Securities

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Key Figures

Overview

Fact Sheets

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Events

Overview

Annual General Meetings

Presentations

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Services

Overview

InvestorPortal

Media Center

Contact

Provider/Privacy

Select language:
DE

Select language:
EN

Mercedes-Benz AG

Mercedesstraße 120
70372 Stuttgart
Germany

Phone:
+49 7 11 17-0
E-Mail:
dialog@mercedes-benz.com

Please send queries about content on this website to any contact. You can address your concerns to us in English and your respective national language.

Represented by the Board of Management:
Ola Källenius, Chairman; Jörg Burzer, Mathias Geisen, Olaf Schick, Michael Schiebe, Britta Seeger, Oliver Thöne, Harald Wilhelm

Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Martin Brudermüller

Court of Registry: Stuttgart; commercial register no. 762873
VAT ID: DE 32 12 81 763

Legal Notice

Settings

Privacy Statement

Third Party License Notice

Don't Sell My Personal Information (CCPA)

All information about our products can be found on your country-specific Mercedes-Benz product page.

To my local product page

Home

Technology

Autonomous Driving

Driving

First internationally valid system approval

Conditionally automated driving

First internationally valid system approval.

December 09, 2021 –

Mercedes-Benz is the first automotive company in the world to meet the demanding legal requirements of UN-R157 for a Level 3 system¹. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has granted system approval for this on the basis of the technical approval regulation UN-R157, thus paving the way for offering such a system internationally², provided that national legislation allows it.

Germany has taken a pioneering role in this with the opening of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) for Level 3 systems in 2017. These systems can take the strain off the driver and allow him or her to perform secondary activities³ such as reading, online shopping or streaming videos.

The technical approval regulation with which such a system can be certified did not come into force until the beginning of 2021. Since then, it can be implemented in Europe - an opportunity that Mercedes-Benz was quick and the first manufacturer to seize. With the opening of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) for Level 3 systems in 2017, Germany was the first country to create a legal basis for the intended use of these systems.

Mercedes-Benz is initially offering DRIVE PILOT on 13,191 kilometres of motorway in Germany. Extensive test drives for this systems are already underway, for example in the USA and China. As soon as there is a national legal framework for conditionally automated operation in additional markets, the technology will be rolled out step by step.

Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot.

DRIVE PILOT also has to cope with surprising traffic situations

On suitable motorway sections and where traffic density is high, DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the driving, initially up to the legally permitted speed of 60 km/h. The controls needed for this are located in the steering wheel rim, on the left and right above the thumb recesses. When the driver activates DRIVE PILOT, the system controls the speed and distance, and effortlessly guides the vehicle within its lane. The route profile, events occurring on the route and traffic signs are correspondingly taken into consideration. The system also reacts to unexpected traffic situations and handles them independently, e.g. by evasive manoeuvres within the lane or by braking manoeuvres.

Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot.

With LiDAR sensor and redundant systems

DRIVE PILOT builds on the surround sensors of the Driving Assistance Package and comprises additional sensors that Mercedes-Benz considers indispensable for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, as well as a camera in the rear window and microphones, especially for detecting blue lights and other special signals from emergency vehicles, as well as a wetness sensor in the wheel well. As well as the sensor data, the DRIVE PILOT receives information about the road geometry, route profile, traffic signs and unusual traffic events (e.g. accidents or roadworks) from a digital HD map. This is made available and updated via a backend connection. The S-Class with the optional DRIVE PILOT also has redundant steering and braking systems and a redundant on-board electrical system, so that it remains manoeuvrable even if one of these systems fails and the safe handover to the driver can be ensured.

High-precision positioning system

The top priority for Mercedes-Benz when introducing such a system is safety, which includes high demands on operational reliability. The exact location of the S-Class is determined using a highly accurate positioning system. This is much more powerful than conventional GPS systems. In addition, data obtained from satellite navigation are matched with sensor data and data from an HD map. Sensor data collected by LiDAR, camera, radar and ultrasonic sensors can be, for example, information on road geometry, route characteristics, landmarks or traffic signs.

Conditionally automated driving on suitable motorway sections where traffic density is high

During the conditionally automated journey, DRIVE PILOT allows the driver to take their mind off the traffic and focus on certain secondary activities, be it communicating with colleagues via In-Car Office, surfing the internet or relaxing while watching a film. In DRIVE PILOT mode, applications can be enabled on the vehicle's integrated central display that are otherwise blocked while driving.

¹ SAE Level 3: the automated driving function takes over certain driving tasks. However, a driver is still required. The driver must be ready to take control of the vehicle at all times when prompted to intervene by the vehicle.

² ECE contracting states (57) incl. states of the EU, GB, Japan, Korea, Australia

³ Which secondary activities of the driver are legally permissible depends on the respective national road traffic regulations.

Autonomous Driving.

Autonomous driving is redefining the role of the automobile.

Autonomous driving Overview

The Mercedes-Benz Group.

The
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
(former
Daimler AG
) is one of the world's most successful automotive companies. With
Mercedes-Benz AG
, the Group offers a wide range of high-end passenger cars and premium vans.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
is another key pillar of the Group and plays a central role in the financial services business.

Learn more

More Information

Company

Overview

Job Search

Shares

Locations

Media Site

Contact

Knowledge

ESG

Intellectual Property

Tradition

Talent Programmes

Business Services

Suppliers

Data & APIs for Developers

Mercedes-Benz Open Source

Whistleblower System (BPO)

Purchase

Vehicles

Accessories

Digital Extras

Classic Cars

Provider

Legal Notice

Settings

Privacy Statement

Third Party License Notice

Don't Sell My Personal Information (CCPA)

Accessibility

© 2026 Mercedes-Benz Group AG. All Rights Reserved.

[1] Net carbon-neutral means that carbon emissions that have neither been avoided nor reduced at the Mercedes-Benz Group are compensated for by certified offsetting projects.

[2] Renewable Charging is an integral part of MB.CHARGE Public in Europe, the USA, Canada and China. If electricity from renewable energies is not yet available at the respective charging station, Renewable Charging uses Energy Attribute Certificates*. These ensure that an equivalent amount of electricity from renewable energies is fed into the power grid for charging processes via MB.CHARGE Public. They are from wind and solar power plants which are less than six years old.
* Incl. EKOenergy ecolabel

* The specified values were determined in accordance with the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to ECE markets. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.

** Electric energy consumption and range have been determined on the basis of Regulation (EC) No. 692/2008 according to NEDC. Electric energy consumption and range depend on the vehicle configuration.

*** Data on electrical consumption and range are provisional and were determined internally in accordance with the “WLTP test procedure” certification method. So far there are no confirmed figures from an officially approved testing organisation, nor any EC type approval or certificate of conformity with official figures. Differences between the stated figures and the official figures are possible.
</reference>

<statements>
1. Mercedes-Benz reports that its system received the first internationally valid UN-R157 system approval from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority in December 2021, with Germany’s 2017 Road Traffic Act amendment providing the national legal basis.
2. The company describes its initial German operational design domain as suitable motorway sections with high traffic density, up to the legally permitted 60 km/h, on 13,191 kilometres of autobahn.
3. The system relies on additional sensors, including LiDAR, a rear-window camera, microphones for detecting emergency-vehicle signals, a wetness sensor, high-precision positioning, HD map data, and redundant steering, braking, and electrical systems so that the vehicle remains maneuverable after a single failure and can ensure a safe handover.
4. Technical approval and legal permission are separate gates: UN-R157 approval is a technical certification route, while the Road Traffic Act amendment is the national legal permission for Level 3 use.
5. Mercedes-Benz reports that DRIVE PILOT was certified against UN-R157 and that the KBA approval was a legal-technical prerequisite for offering the system where national law allows
6. Mercedes-Benz describes DRIVE PILOT as allowing the driver to focus on certain secondary activities while the system is active, with controls on the steering wheel and applications enabled on the central display
7. Regulators should require post-market reporting, safety-critical occurrence notification, annual performance reports, and corrective-action transparency, while making clear that approval does not automatically defeat a defect or negligence claim
8. The main uncertainties are empirical and legal: the available evidence does not establish a final appellate outcome in Benavides, does not provide comprehensive real-world ADAS effectiveness data, does not reproduce the full UNECE R157 text, and does not record the terms of any manufacturer indemnification commitment
</statements>

Begin the assessment now. Output only the JSON list, without any conversational text or explanations.