Standardisation Bodies

Modern infrastructure will increasingly incorporate new components which increase the robustness of the system. The future of CAD is bright and offers the long-term promise of mobility that improves safety and transport operations while lowering the environmental impact. Therefore, at this point, we have to see a more standardised and active automated ecosystem. Providing a common interface to improve the economy of scale to reduce cost, which improves the integration of advanced functions in CAD. At global and European level, different standards developing organizations exist with the intend to inform wider industry thinking and accelerate the successful introduction of exciting pioneering technology.

Name	Description	Link
AASHTO	American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials	view details
ANSI	American National Standards Institute	view details
ASTM	American Society for Testing and Materials	view details
ASAM	Association for Standardisation of Automation and Measuring systems	view details
BSI	British Standards Institution	view details
CEN	European committee for standardisation	view details
CENELEC	European committee for Electrotechnical standardisation	view details
CEPT-ECC	Electronic communications committe	view details
DIN	Deutsche Institut für Normung e.V	view details
DKE	Deutsches Kommission Electrotechnik	view details
ETSI	European Telecommunications Standards Institute	view details
IEC	International Electrotechnical Commission	view details
IEEE	Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers	view details
ISO	International Organization for Standardisation	view details
IETF	Internet Engineering Task Force	view details
ITU	International Telecommunications Union	view details
JISC	Japanese Industrial Standards Committee	view details
NEMA	National Electrical Manufacturers Association	view details
NISO	National Information Standards Organisation	view details
SAE	Society of Automotive Engineers	view details

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

SAE International is a global professional association and standards-developing organization focused on mobility engineering across the automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicle industries. It develops technical standards, such as SAE J3016 (defining levels of driving automation), and advances research in vehicle safety, electrification, cybersecurity, and connectivity. SAE also provides professional development programs, fosters innovation through industry collaboration, and influences global regulations to support the evolution of transportation technologies.

SAE On-Road Automated Driving Committee

The On-Road Automated Driving (ORAD) committee reports to the Driver Assistance Systems Steering Committee of the Motor Vehicle Council. The ORAD committee is responsible for developing and maintaining SAE standards, recommended practices, and information reports related to motor vehicle driving automation system features across the full range of levels of driving automation. “On-road” refers to publicly accessible roadways that provide driving environments for the users of motor vehicles of all classes and all levels of driving automation. However, the ORAD committee will focus primarily on Automated Driving Systems (ADSs) as defined by SAE J3016, namely, levels 3-5 which are capable of performing the complete DDT on a sustained basis while engaged. This includes cooperative automation at these levels. While automated subsystems from other committees will be integrated with automated driving technology, the ORAD committee does not focus on specific subsystems like short-range communication, active safety such as electronic stability control and automated emergency braking or other driver assistance such as lane keeping assistance and cooperative adaptive cruise control. The ORAD committee will coordinate with and contribute to committees and task forces in these distinct areas of expertise.

SAE International recently unveiled a new visual chart designed to clarify and simplify its J3016 “Levels of Driving Automation” standard for consumers. The J3016 standard defines six levels of driving automation, from SAE Level Zero (no automation) to SAE Level 5 (full vehicle autonomy). It serves as the industry’s most-cited reference for automated-vehicle (AV) capabilities.

J3016 provides and defines the six levels of driving automation, from no automation to full automation. Consistent with industry practices, the standard helps to eliminate confusion by providing clarity.

The new revisions, while substantial, preserve the original SAE J3016 level names, numbers, and functional distinctions, as well as the supporting terms. However, the new, revised version:

• Clarifies and rationalizes taxonomical differentiators for lower levels (levels 0-2)
• Clarifies the scope of the J3016 driving automation taxonomy (i.e., explains to what it does and does not apply)
• Modifies existing, and adds new, supporting terms and definitions
• Adds more rationale, examples, and explanatory text throughout

Automated Vehicle Safety Consortium™ (AVSC)

This is an industry program of SAE Industry Technologies Consortia® (SAE ITC) focus on advancing standards for automated driving vehicles. In particular, the consortium will concentrated the effort on develop safe and reliable vehicle at SAE level 4 and 5.

International Organization for Standardisation (ISO)

ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organisation with a membership of 167 national standards bodies such as DIN, AFNOR, BSI, NEN, NBN, ANSI, etc. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

In ISO the standardisation work is done in domain specific Technical Committees (TC) which are managed by the Technical Management Board (TMB). ISO Technical Committees are numbered in the order in which they were created. The first, TC1, deals with screw threads and was created back in 1947.

The ISO/TC 204 technical committee is taking care of the standardisation of information, communication and control systems in the field of urban and rural surface transportation, including intermodal and multimodal aspects thereof, traveller information, traffic management, public transport, commercial transport, emergency services and commercial services in the intelligent transport systems (ITS) field.

ISO/TC 204 is also responsible for the overall system aspects and infrastructure aspects of intelligent transport systems (ITS), as well as the coordination of the overall ISO work programme in this field including the schedule for standards development, taking into account the work of existing international standardization bodies.

ISO/TC 22 develops standards of all aspects for all types of road vehicles and their interfaces approved for operation on public roads for the whole life cycle concerning safety, security, sustainability, compatibility, interchangeability, maintenance, evaluation of performance and quality.  ISO/TC 22 consists of 11 subcommitees and also includes the automated driving coordination group (ADCG):

ISO/TC 22/SC 31	Data communication
ISO/TC 22/SC 32	Electrical and electronic components and general system aspects
ISO/TC 22/SC 33	Vehicle dynamics, chassis components and driving automation systems testing
ISO/TC 22/SC 34	Propulsion, powertrain and powertrain fluids
ISO/TC 22/SC 35	Lighting and visibility
ISO/TC 22/SC 36	Safety and impact testing
ISO/TC 22/SC 37	Electrically propelled vehicles
ISO/TC 22/SC 38	Motorcycles and mopeds
ISO/TC 22/SC 39	Ergonomics
ISO/TC 22/SC 40	Specific aspects for light and heavy commercial vehicles, busses and trailers
ISO/TC 22/SC 41	Specific aspects for gaseous fuels

ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27 is a subcommittee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specializing in IT security techniques. Its work focuses on developing international standards for information security, cybersecurity, privacy protection, and cryptographic techniques. Key areas include risk management, security controls, identity management, cloud security, and data protection frameworks, ensuring global interoperability and resilience against emerging cyber threats. SC 27 is responsible for widely used standards like ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management Systems).

ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 41 focuses on standardizing Digital Twin technologies as part of its work on Internet of Things (IoT). It develops frameworks and guidelines for digital twin architecture, interoperability, data exchange, and security, ensuring consistency across industries. SC 41’s efforts support the integration of real-time data, simulation, and analytics to enhance decision-making in smart manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and connected systems, enabling reliable and scalable digital twin ecosystems.

ISO/IEC JTC 1 SC 42 is a joint technical subcommittee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), focusing on the standardization of artificial intelligence (AI). It was established to develop frameworks, methodologies, and guidelines for AI-related technologies, covering areas such as machine learning, big data, trustworthiness, governance, and ethical considerations. SC 42 plays a critical role in ensuring interoperability, security, and responsible AI deployment across industries by aligning global AI standards with technological advancements and regulatory requirements.

There  are several work items  in  development  for  a  number  of  ADAS and AD features that have relevance for high automation. For more information on specific ISO  standards  related to automated vehicles please check the standards list’s page.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. Founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks, we allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.  Every time you make a phone call via the mobile, access the Internet or send an email, you are benefitting from the work of ITU. ITU has several Sectors.

ITU-T

The International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) addresses technologies relevant to connected and automated driving through several key Study Groups and Focus Groups:
Study Group 13 (Future networks, with focus on IMT-2020, cloud computing, and trusted network infrastructures) focuses on standardizing future networks, including aspects crucial for autonomous vehicles such as network architectures and protocols.​
Established the Focus Group on Autonomous Networks, which drafts technical reports and specifications for autonomous networks, exploring their evolution and real-time responsiveness. ​
Study Group 21 (Technologies for multimedia, content delivery and cable television). WTSA-24 consolidated ITU-T SG 16 with ITU-T SG 9 into new ITU-T SG21 for the study period 2025-2028 SG 21 deals with multimedia coding, systems, and applications, encompassing intelligent transport systems (ITS) communications essential for connected vehicles.​ The predecessor SG16 managed the Focus Group on AI for Autonomous and Assisted Driving (FG-AI4AD), which delivered in 2022 international standards to monitor and assess the performance of AI “drivers” in autonomous vehicles.
Study Group 17 (Security) specializes in security aspects of telecommunication networks and services, including cybersecurity frameworks vital for the safety of connected and automated vehicles.​
Engages in standardization activities related to intelligent transport system (ITS) security, formulating security frameworks and guidelines for connected car environments. ​
These groups collectively contribute to the development of standards ensuring the reliability, security, and interoperability of technologies underpinning connected and automated driving systems.

Europen Committee for Standardisation (CEN)

The European Committee for Standardisation is one of three European Standardisation Organisations (together with CENELEC and ETSI) that have been officially recognized by the European Union and by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as being responsible for developing and defining voluntary standards at European level.

CEN is an association that brings together the National Standardisation Bodies of 34 European countries and provides a platform for the development of European Standards and other technical documents in relation to various kinds of products, materials, services, and processes.

CEN supports standardisation activities in relation to a wide range of fields and sectors including air and space, chemicals, construction, consumer products, defence and security, energy, the environment, food and feed, health and safety, healthcare, ICT, machinery, materials, pressure equipment, services, smart living, transport, and packaging. The organisation of CEN is similar to the one explained at ISO. CEN is organising its work in domain specific Technical Committees which are the following from the CAD perspective:

CEN/TC 278 Intelligent Transport Systems develops standards in the field of intelligent transport systems, encompassing services and techniques to achieve road safety, environmental sustainability and traffic efficiency, and to improve the travel experience, applying information and communication technologies between vehicles/infrastructure/other road users.
The following are included: aspects of cooperation (C-ITS); intermodality and multimodality; traffic management; mobility information; mobility integration; mobility as a service; systems and services for vulnerable road users; ITS services for automated vehicles; parking management; user fee collection; public transport management; eCall; after-theft vehicle recovery systems; kerbside and pavement management. Mobility accessibility for all users is an important aspect of ITS standardisation.

CEN/TC 301 Road vehicles is dealing with European Standards of road vehicles answering essentially to European mandates. Since the automotive industry is acting globally, the international level (ISO/TC 22 Road vehicles) shall have top priority for any other standardisation projects.

European Electrotechnical Committee for Standardisation (CENELEC)

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) plays a pivotal role in developing standards that support the advancement of connected and automated driving (CAD) technologies across Europe. By establishing harmonized technical specifications, CENELEC ensures interoperability, safety, and reliability in the integration of intelligent transport systems (ITS) and vehicular automation.​
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): CENELEC develops standards to ensure that electronic components in vehicles operate without interference, a critical factor for the reliability of connected and automated driving systems.​
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Standardizing the interfaces and communication protocols between electric vehicles and charging stations facilitates seamless integration into smart grids, supporting the broader ecosystem of connected mobility.​
Functional Safety: Defining safety requirements for electrical and electronic systems in vehicles ensures that automated driving features operate safely under various conditions.​
Through these initiatives, CENELEC contributes to the development of a cohesive framework that supports the deployment of connected and automated driving technologies, enhancing road safety, traffic efficiency, and environmental sustainability across Europe.

CEN/CENELEC/TC5 Space covers all standardisation activities in CEN and CENELEC related to space, including dual use aspects, systems of systems, as well as upstream and downstream applications, inasmuch as these topics are not covered by any other existing technical body in CEN or CENELEC or by the European Cooperation for Space Standardisation (ECSS) or ETSI, therefore it is important and necessary that it coordinates its work with relevant technical bodies in ETSI. It develops European Standards that are needed for GNSS enabled on road positioning services.

European Telecommunication Standardisation Institute (ETSI)

​The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is standardizing connectivity technologies for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), enhancing road safety, traffic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Through its Technical Committee on Intelligent Transport Systems (TC ITS), ETSI develops specifications that enable seamless communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and other road users.

ETSI TC ITS develops and maintains C-ITS protocol standards based on the C-ITS communication architecture supporting V2V, V2I, I2I use cases.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional association for electronic engineering and electrical engineering (and associated disciplines) with its corporate office in New York City and its operations centre in Piscataway, New Jersey. It was formed in 1963 from the amalgamation of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the Institute of Radio Engineers. The internal structure of IEEE is reflecting the global interest of the members and are based around different domain specific Societies. These Societies are developing standards through their Standards Committee under the supervision and leadership of IEEE Standards Association.

IEEE Vehicular Technology Society (VTS) develops standards under the auspices of the IEEE-SA. This is accomplished through the VTS Standards Committee. This committee is the Sponsor Committee, and is responsible for the development of standards within the Field of Interest of the Vehicular Technology Society. The Committee receives guidance from the VTS Board of Governors. In addition, the VTS Standards Committee may also be requested by IEEE-SA to develop standards in the field of Vehicular technology.
IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society (ITSS) focuses on intelligent vehicle systems, traffic management, and automation in transportation.
IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) is relevant for perception, control, and robotic aspects of automated driving.
IEEE Computer Society (CS) Technical Committee on Computer Communications (TCCC) sponsors the “802” series of Local and Metropolitan Area Networks Standards. It also annually sponsors the IEEE Computer Society’s Conference on Local Computer Networks and the Computer Networking Symposium.
IEEE Signal Processing Society (SPS) addresses machine learning, sensor fusion, and signal interpretation for ADAS and autonomous systems.
IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society (SMCS) works on human-machine interaction, control systems, and decision-making processes.
IEEE Reliability Society (RS) focuses on safety, fault tolerance, and system dependability in autonomous vehicles.

Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems (ASAM)

Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems (ASAM e.V.) is heavily involved in standardizing aspects of automated driving, particularly in simulation, scenario-based testing, and data exchange. Standards in the domain Simulation (aka ASAM OpenX® standards) aim to provide a complete set of standards for Simulation-based testing of automated driving functions. They cover a wide range of use cases for virtual development, including hybrid testing approaches that combine virtual and physical components.

British Standards Institution (BSI)

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is the national standards body of the United Kingdom. BSI has written several fundamental principles of automotive cybersecurity in order to help all parties involved in the vehicle lifecycle and ecosystem understand better how to improve and maintain vehicle security and the security of associated intelligent transport systems (ITS).