You can download a DRM-free copy of this document here.

What is PAS 1881:2022 about?

PAS 1881:2022 is the first full revision of PAS 1881:2020 to reflect learning from recent automated vehicle trials and input from stakeholders. It deals with how to build operational safety cases for trialling and testing of AVs so that ultimately connected and automated vehicles can be deployed safely, and the public will be confident about their safety.

This PAS expands the requirements of the UK Department for Transport (DfT’s) Code of practice and aligns with the requirements of other PAS Standards, including PAS 1882, PAS 1883, PAS 1884 and PAS 1885.

Who is PAS 1881:2022 for?

PAS 1881:2022 is intended for use by trialling organizations, including private developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), developing safety cases for automated vehicle trials and testing.

It might be of interest to organizations requiring assurance that a safety case has been developed in line with good practice. For example:

Highway authorities
Road operators
Landowners
Leaseholders
Insurers

It might also be of interest to organizations developing and implementing automation in off-highway environments.

What does PAS 1881:2022 cover?

PAS 1881:2022 specifies requirements for operational safety cases and the supporting safety management system for automated vehicle trials and testing in the UK to demonstrate that the operation of automated vehicles can be undertaken safely and securely within the defined operating environment.

The standard includes:

Safety case requirements and ownership
Safety management system
Contents of the safety case
Safety assurance guidance
Legislative and good practice framework underpinning the safety case
Safety case development and case studies
Operational guidance

Why should you use PAS 1881:2022?

PAS 1881:2022 creates a standardized and consistent approach to safety case development and encourages safety to be prioritized during technology development, trials and testing.

It is applicable to all real-world testing environments, including testbeds, public domains and privately owned land and to all levels of driving automation systems.

The standard will:

Support the wider use of CAV technology and promote safety of advanced trials of CAV services
Showcase the UK's leadership in this fast evolving, highly technical and challenging domain
Provide the public with greater assurance of CAV and CAV trial safety
Help increase the number of CAV trials conducted, thereby increasing opportunities for learning

PAS 1881 forms part of a broader CAV programme of the standards led by BSI, find out more about the programme here.

PAS 1881:2022 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.

PAS 1881:2022

Assuring the operational safety of automated vehicles. Specification

Published:

30 Apr 2022

Withdrawn:

16 Mar 2026