Self-driving cars are not yet legal for hands-off use in Brisbane, and every vehicle on Queensland roads in 2025 still requires a human driver to remain in control at all times. Despite widespread global coverage of robotaxis, overseas trials, and Level 4 services operating in parts of the United States, the reality in Australia is very different. Queensland drivers continue to operate under strict Transport and Main Roads (TMR) rules, Australian Design Rules (ADRs), and road safety laws that treat today’s technology as driver-assistance, not autonomy. This disconnect has created confusion for buyers trying to understand what current semi-autonomous systems can actually do, how safe they are, and what the emerging Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL) will change.

The Australian market is now filled with advanced Level 2 systems—such as Tesla Autopilot, BYD Di Pilot, and Kia/Hyundai Highway Driving Assist—but these remain hands-on, legally requiring constant supervision. Future laws will introduce the concept of the Automated Driving System Entity (ADSE), shifting responsibility from a human driver to a corporation as automation increases. This shift will also reshape Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, product liability claims, and how insurers recover costs under the upcoming national framework led by the National Transport Commission (NTC).

This guide cuts through the hype to explain what is actually available in Brisbane today, how Queensland law treats self-driving technology, who will be liable under the new legislation, and what buyers need to know before choosing a vehicle with advanced automation features.

The Reality of Self-Driving Cars in Brisbane (2025)

Self-driving cars are not operating on Brisbane roads in 2025, and no vehicle sold in Australia can legally drive hands-free or without constant human supervision. Although headlines from the US often show robotaxis navigating busy cities, Queensland’s laws, road systems, and insurance structures are not yet compatible with true autonomy.

Why the Public Is Confused

Much of the misunderstanding comes from mixing up international developments with Australia’s regulatory reality. In everyday conversation, “self-driving” can mean anything from basic cruise control to fully autonomous Level 5 vehicles — but these are very different things.

In Queensland today, the situation is:

• Only Level 2 driver-assistance systems are available (e.g., Tesla Autopilot, BYD DiPilot, Kia/Hyundai Highway Driving Assist).

• The driver must remain in control at all times under Transport and Main Roads (TMR) rules.

• Australian Design Rules (ADRs) require a human to maintain steering authority.

• Fully autonomous Level 4/5 systems (robotaxis) are not legal for public use.

This distinction will eventually shift as Australia introduces the Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL), which will regulate corporate responsibility through an Automated Driving System Entity (ADSE) — but that framework is not in place yet.

US Headlines vs. Queensland Reality

What Brisbane Drivers Actually Have Today

Most “self-driving” features available in Queensland are better described as advanced driver assistance. They can support the driver but cannot replace them.

Examples include:

• Lane centring

• Adaptive cruise control

• Automated lane changes on some models

• Traffic-aware cruise systems

• Speed sign recognition

These are still Level 2, meaning:

• The system handles steering and speed temporarily

• The human remains responsible for monitoring the road

• Legal liability stays with the driver

This is why TMR and ADRs enforce hands-on-the-wheel compliance, even in cars that advertise autonomous capabilities overseas.

The Limitations Are Intentional

Features are restricted in Australia because:

• AVSL and ADSE frameworks are still being finalised

• Mapping and sensor validation differ from US road conditions

• Queensland is not yet permitting unsupervised driving trials outside controlled programs

• Insurance models (including CTP) still assume the human is the primary risk source

This is the gap the AVSL aims to address — moving towards corporate liability and a regulated path to genuine autonomy.

What Are the SAE Levels of Driving Automation (0–5) and Why They Matter in Australia?

The SAE Levels of Driving Automation (0–5) describe how much control a vehicle can take over from a human driver, and understanding them is essential for buyers in Brisbane. Most cars advertised as “self-driving” are actually Level 2, even if overseas marketing suggests otherwise. Queensland law, Australian Design Rules (ADRs), and TMR requirements strictly enforce how these systems may be used.

To avoid confusion, here’s what each level truly means for Australian roads.

SAE Levels of Automation Explained

Quick Summary Table

Levels 0–2: What’s Actually Available in Australia Today

Most vehicles sold in Brisbane fall into Level 1 or Level 2, including popular systems such as:

• Tesla Autopilot (Australia version only)

• BYD DiPilot

• Hyundai/Kia Highway Driving Assist 2

• Volvo Pilot Assist

These can assist with tasks like:

• Lane keeping

• Adaptive cruise control

• Traffic-aware speed control

But under Queensland law:

The driver must keep their hands on the wheel and stay alert at all times.

This is enforced because the vehicle does not perform monitoring of the environment in a legally sufficient way — the human remains the responsible party.

Levels 3–5: Why You Can’t Use Them Yet in Queensland

While some international brands advertise Level 3 capability overseas (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot in Germany), these functions are not approved in Australia.

Why Level 3–5 Is Not Yet Legal Here

• TMR regulations still define the human as the responsible driver.

• ADRs require steering facilities that necessitate human control.

• Autonomous systems cannot yet meet national safety certification requirements.

• The upcoming Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL) framework isn’t enacted nationally.

Level 4 robotaxis operating in the US — like Waymo — require environmental mapping, redundant safety systems, and high-certainty localisation, all of which are not yet available or approved for Brisbane roads.

Why These Levels Matter for Liability and Insurance

As the AVSL rolls out, SAE Levels will determine who is legally responsible when automation is engaged:

• Level 0–2: The human driver is liable.

• Level 3: Liability becomes shared — but still requires a “fallback-ready user”.

• Level 4–5: Responsibility shifts to the Automated Driving System Entity (ADSE), not the human.

This shift is fundamental to future Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance reform, product liability claims, and the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) model for insurer recovery actions.

Why This Matters for Buyers in Brisbane

If a dealer or online advertisement suggests a car is “self-driving,” understanding the SAE Levels helps you determine if the feature:

• Is actually legal to use

• Requires hands-on supervision

• Will be software-limited in Australia

• May be upgraded under future AVSL rules

Knowing the difference prevents misunderstandings — and avoids QLD penalties for unsafe or inattentive driving.

Are Self-Driving Cars Legal in Queensland Under Current TMR and ADR Rules?

Self-driving cars are not legal for hands-off use in Queensland, and every vehicle on the road in 2025 must have a human driver who remains alert, supervising the system, and able to take control instantly. This applies even when a car has advanced features such as lane centring, adaptive cruise control, or automated lane changes.

The confusion comes from overseas advertising, particularly from the US, where Level 3–4 systems are beginning to appear. Queensland’s regulatory system is built differently, and the Transport and Main Roads (TMR) rules and Australian Design Rules (ADRs) strictly define how automated features may be used.

What TMR Requires Today

Under Queensland road rules:

• The driver must stay attentive at all times

• Hands must remain on the wheel

• Eyes must remain on the road

• Driver-assistance features must only be used as intended

• Distraction laws apply even when automation is active

This applies whether you are driving a Tesla, BYD, Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, or any other model with semi-autonomous functions.

Key Reason: The System Is Not the “Driver”

TMR currently recognises only the human as the legal “driver”.
Automated features do not qualify as autonomous driving under Queensland law.

What the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) Say

The ADRs set minimum safety standards for all vehicles sold in Australia. Relevant rules require:

• A steering control that a human must operate

• Systems that support driving, not replace it

• Clear driver override capability

• Compliance with lane-keeping, braking, and sensor design requirements

No vehicle sold in Australia currently meets the criteria for fully autonomous use without driver supervision.

Hands-Off Driving Is Illegal in Queensland

Even in cars capable of hands-free highway driving overseas, Queensland law prohibits removing your hands from the wheel.

Examples Where Hands-Off Would Be Illegal in QLD

TMR actively enforces hands-on requirements and distracted driving laws, meaning gestures like reading, sleeping, or looking away from the road can result in penalties even if automation is active.

Penalties for Misusing Automation in Queensland

A driver may be fined for:

• Removing hands from the wheel

• Looking at a mobile device

• Failing to maintain proper control

• Driving without due care and attention

These fines apply regardless of the technology or the brand of vehicle.

Why Queensland Takes This Approach

Australian regulators are waiting for the national Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL) to define:

• How an Automated Driving System Entity (ADSE) will be responsible for automated operation

• What counts as legal automation vs. driver assistance

• How CTP insurance will handle automated vehicles

• The safety certification pathway for Level 3–5 systems

Until then, Queensland law treats all existing systems as driver assistance, not autonomy.

Which Semi-Autonomous Cars Can You Buy in Australia in 2025? (Tesla, BYD, Kia & More)

Australia’s 2025 car market offers several models with advanced Level 2 driver-assistance features, but none operate as true self-driving vehicles under Queensland law. These systems can help with steering, speed, lane positioning, and traffic flow, but the driver must remain alert, hands-on, and responsible for monitoring the environment.

To help buyers understand what’s genuinely available — versus what overseas marketing implies — here is a breakdown of the leading semi-autonomous vehicles you can purchase in Brisbane.

Popular Level 2 Cars Available in Queensland

1. Tesla Model 3 & Model Y (Autopilot / Enhanced Autopilot)

Tesla offers some of the most advanced Level 2 systems sold in Australia. Features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Keeping

• Auto Lane Change (with Enhanced Autopilot)

• Traffic-Aware Cruise

• Limited Navigate-on-Autopilot capability (Australia-restricted)

Important: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Australia is not the same as the US version. It remains a Level 2 system requiring full driver supervision.

2. BYD Seal & Atto 3 (DiPilot)

BYD’s DiPilot package includes:

• Lane centring

• Adaptive cruise control

• Traffic jam assist

• Blind-spot monitoring

While marketed as sophisticated, these systems still require constant driver attention under TMR law.

3. Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6 (Highway Driving Assist 2)

These models provide some of the most polished Level 2 experiences in Australia:

• Highway Driving Assist (steering + speed management)

• Lane Follow Assist

• Automatic lane changing (model dependent)

• Smart cruise control with machine learning

The technology is capable, but hands-off driving remains illegal.

4. Volvo XC90 (Pilot Assist)

Volvo’s system focuses on:

• Lane centring

• Distance control

• Smooth cornering support

Volvo often emphasises safety, but even Pilot Assist does not qualify as autonomous operation.

Comparison Table: Pricing & Features (Australia, 2025)

All features are subject to software limitations specific to Australia.

What These Cars Cannot Do in Australia

Despite their capabilities, none of these vehicles can:

• Legally operate hands-free

• Navigate complex environments without supervision

• Function as Level 3, 4, or 5 systems

• Replace the human driver in any legal sense

Queensland enforcement remains strict: the human is always the responsible driver.

Australian Limitations Compared to the US

Many vehicles have fewer features here due to:

• Software locks

• Mapping restrictions

• Regulatory requirements

• Road infrastructure differences

• ADR safety compliance

Why Are So Many Self-Driving Features Locked in Australia Compared to the US?

Even though many semi-autonomous cars sold in Australia use the same hardware as their US counterparts, a large number of “self-driving” features are locked or restricted locally. This often surprises buyers, especially when videos from overseas show cars navigating dense city streets, changing lanes automatically, or even operating without a human driver.

These restrictions exist because Australia’s regulatory environment, road networks, insurance systems, and legal frameworks differ significantly from those in the US.

1. Mapping and Road Infrastructure Are Not Compatible

Many Level 2 and Level 3 systems rely on high-precision maps that are not available across Australia.

Examples include:

• GM Super Cruise mapping is built for North American interstate highways

• Waymo and Cruise rely on city-specific HD maps not produced for Brisbane

• Tesla FSD Beta uses US-trained data patterns that do not align perfectly with Australian roads

This means the systems cannot operate reliably under Australian conditions.

2. Australian Design Rules (ADRs) Limit Certain Features

ADRs require:

• A human-controllable steering system

• Immediate driver override capability

• Visibility, braking, and sensor compliance specific to Australia

These standards prevent deployment of features that would allow hands-off driving or conditional automation.

3. Queensland’s TMR Regulations Prioritise Driver Responsibility

TMR enforces:

• Hands-on-the-wheel monitoring

• Full driver attentiveness

• Prohibition of distracted driving

• The definition of “driver” as the human occupant

These rules do not align with overseas Level 3–4 implementations.

4. The Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL) Is Not Yet Active

The AVSL will eventually:

• Define the Automated Driving System Entity (ADSE)

• Allow strict liability to shift from the human to the corporation

• Provide a path for approval of Level 3–5 systems

• Establish national safety standards for automated operation

Until then, no manufacturer can deploy genuine autonomous functions.

5. Insurance and CTP Frameworks Are Still Human-Centric

Today, Queensland’s system assumes:

• The human caused the crash

• The human is the insured party

• The human controls the vehicle

The upcoming reforms to Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance will enable insurers to recover costs from the ADSE, but these mechanisms are not yet active.

6. Safety Data Requirements Are Higher in Australia

Australia requires:

• Localised safety testing

• Validation for left-hand-drive vs right-hand-drive differences

• Additional hazard assessments for rural and regional roads

• Confirmation that automated systems can handle wildlife, unmarked roads, gravel surfaces, and unique signage

US-trained systems are not automatically transferable.

US vs Australia Feature Availability

Bottom Line

Most Australian vehicles look capable of more autonomy — and technically, many are — but the regulatory landscape has not yet shifted from driver responsibility to system responsibility. That transition will not occur until the AVSL is implemented nationwide.

What Trials Are Underway? Robotaxis, CAV Programs and QLD’s Autonomous Transport Plans

Queensland is cautiously preparing for automated transport, but all current activity remains trial-based, supervised, and limited to controlled environments. No Level 4 or Level 5 public deployment exists anywhere in the state.

Ipswich Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Trial

Ipswich has hosted Queensland’s most significant autonomous vehicle research. The trial explored:

• Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication

• Automated braking and lane support in controlled scenarios

• Safety validation for suburban road environments

Although often described as “self-driving trials,” these tests involved highly supervised conditions and do not permit the public to use autonomous functions.

Heavy Vehicle Automation Roadmap

Queensland is also planning for automation in freight and logistics. Key priorities include:

• Remote monitoring systems

• Low-speed automated haulage

• Safety cases for controlled-access motorways

These projects focus on improving industry efficiency rather than passenger autonomy.

Robotaxis: When Will They Arrive in Brisbane?

Waymo-style robotaxis will not appear in Brisbane until:

• AVSL legislation commences

• ADSE approvals are available

• CTP reforms for automated crashes are active

• High-definition mapping is established for urban Queensland

Realistically, Level 4 public transport (e.g., shuttle services) is unlikely before 2027 or later.

What This Means for Drivers

Queensland is preparing for autonomy, but trials remain cautious and limited. Until national laws change, the public cannot access hands-off or driverless services, even if the technology exists overseas.

What Should You Ask the Dealer Before Buying a Semi-Autonomous Car in 2025?

Buying a car with advanced driver-assistance features in Australia can be confusing, especially when overseas marketing suggests capabilities that aren’t legal here. Asking the right questions helps you understand what the system can actually do on Queensland roads.

1. “Are any features software-locked in Australia?”

Many vehicles include hardware capable of higher-level automation, but features may be restricted because of:

• ADR compliance

• TMR regulations

• Mapping limitations

• Regional safety certification

This is particularly relevant for Tesla, BYD and some European brands.

2. “How often do the maps and driver-assistance systems update?”

Up-to-date mapping and software strongly affect performance. Ask:

• How frequently updates occur

• Whether updates are over-the-air or require dealership visits

• If Australia receives the same update cycle as the US or Europe

Some brands roll out updates months later in Australia.

3. “Is this feature subscription-based?”

Several systems require ongoing payments, such as:

• Tesla’s Premium Connectivity

• Enhanced Autopilot or FSD packages

• Brand-specific ADAS upgrades

Clarifying this prevents surprises after purchase.

4. “Which features are legally usable in Queensland?”

Ask the dealer to specify:

• What the system can legally do

• Whether hands-free capability is disabled locally

• Any warnings about driver responsibility

This ensures expectations match Queensland law.

5. “How does the system behave in Australian conditions?”

Australian roads differ from US and EU conditions. Good questions include:

• How does it handle unmarked rural roads?

• Does it manage roundabouts reliably?

• Is signage recognition tuned for Australian speed signs?

Performance can vary significantly by region.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy for Autonomy Now?

Choosing a semi-autonomous car in 2025 comes down to understanding the gap between what the technology can do and what Queensland law actually allows. While today’s systems are increasingly advanced, none provide hands-off or self-driving capability on public roads, and all require full driver supervision.

Current Limitations to Consider

Before investing in autonomy-linked features, it’s important to recognise:

• All cars in Australia remain Level 2 at most

• Driver responsibility cannot be transferred under current TMR rules

• Many advertised features are software-restricted in Australia

• Updates promoted overseas may not reach local vehicles

• No manufacturer currently offers Level 3–5 certification in Australia

This means buyers should view automation as driver assistance, not a replacement for driving.

Is It Worth Paying Extra for “Full Self-Driving” Packages?

Some brands offer expensive upgrade packages, but in Australia these typically provide:

• Minor convenience improvements

• Lane change automation

• Parking assistance

• Navigation enhancements

They do not provide autonomous driving, nor do they change legal liability.

For many buyers, the standard driver-assistance suite provides nearly all the functionality legally usable in Queensland.

Buying for the Future

If you’re thinking ahead to the upcoming Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL), it’s worth remembering that:

• ADSE approvals are not yet active

• CTP reform is ongoing

• Level 3–5 deployment depends on future mapping and safety certification

Buying now for a theoretical future upgrade is possible, but not guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are self-driving cars legal in Queensland?

No. Fully autonomous Level 4 and Level 5 vehicles are not permitted for public use in Queensland, and all Level 2 systems still require hands-on supervision.

Is it illegal to take your hands off the wheel in a Tesla in QLD?

Yes. Queensland road rules require the driver to maintain control at all times, regardless of whether Autopilot or any other system is active.

Are Waymo cars available in Brisbane?

No. Waymo operates only in select US cities, and Level 4 robotaxi services are not approved anywhere in Australia.

What is the Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL)?

It is a national framework that will regulate automated vehicles, shift responsibility to an Automated Driving System Entity (ADSE), and outline manufacturer duties for automated operation.

Who is liable when a Level 3 or 4 automated system crashes?

Under future AVSL rules, liability will shift to the ADSE when the vehicle is operating in automated mode, rather than the human occupant.

What is the role of the National Transport Commission (NTC) in automation?

The NTC develops the national regulatory model for automated vehicles, including safety obligations, incident reporting, and ADSE requirements.

How will CTP insurance work for automated vehicle crashes?

CTP will still compensate injured road users, but insurers will gain statutory rights to recover costs from the ADSE if the automated system contributed to the crash.

What is the ‘ethical dilemma’ in driverless cars?

It refers to situations where software must choose between harmful outcomes, similar to the trolley problem, raising legal questions about design responsibility and algorithmic decision-making.

Australian Government – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (ADRs)

Covers the Australian Design Rules that currently govern vehicle safety standards, including those affecting automated driving systems.
https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/vehicle-design-regulation/australian-design-rules