SAE J3114-2016 PDF

Full title and description

SAE J3114™ (DEC2016) — Surface Vehicle Information Report: "Human Factors Definitions for Automated Driving and Related Research Topics." An SAE information report that provides working definitions and human-factors terminology to support research, design and evaluation of driver/user–vehicle interfaces (DVI) for driving automation features (primarily addressing L2–L4 features defined by SAE J3016).

Abstract

This information report establishes human-factors definitions and a common vocabulary for topics related to automated driving and driver–vehicle interaction. J3114 summarizes literature, defines terms (for example: automation bias, transfer of control, fallback-ready user, takeover request, reliability from the user perspective), and identifies research categories and evaluation approaches to aid HMI/DVI design, usability studies, and human-factors research supporting levels 2–4 driving automation.

General information

• Status: Published — Surface Vehicle Information Report (SAE J3114™ DEC2016).
• Publication date: December 2016 (issued Dec 2016).
• Publisher: SAE International.
• ICS / categories: 13.180 (Ergonomics); 43.040.15 (Car informatics / on‑board computer systems); 43.060.50 (Electrical/electronic equipment — control systems).
• Edition / version: J3114™ DEC2016 — first published information report (2016).
• Number of pages: 60 pages (technical report length: ~60 pp.).

Scope

Define and standardize human‑centric terminology and concepts relevant to automated driving and driver/user–vehicle interfaces. The report focuses on terms and definitions that affect driver/user performance and experience when interacting with driving automation features (primarily SAE J3016 levels 2 through 4). It also identifies human‑factors research topics, evaluation methods (simulator, test track, naturalistic studies), and areas needing further study to support safer and more usable DVI design.

Key topics and requirements

• Authoritative, user‑centric definitions for automation‑related terms (e.g., automation bias, over‑reliance, under‑reliance, complacency).
• Definitions and sequences for transfer of dynamic driving task (DDT) control, takeover/handback, and fallback-ready user concepts.
• Driver/user monitoring, attention and distraction, fatigue and receptivity considerations.
• Mental models, situational awareness, mode awareness and mode error descriptions.
• Reliability and perceived reliability defined from the user perspective.
• Evaluation and research methods: simulator studies, on‑road testing, naturalistic driving studies, and metrics for takeover performance.
• Research agenda and topic categories to support human‑factors studies and HMI design guidance for automated driving.

Typical use and users

Used by human‑factors researchers, HMI/DVI designers at OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers, system integrators, test and validation engineers, regulators and policy makers, standards developers, and university researchers. The report is intended as a common vocabulary for interdisciplinary teams working on automated driving human‑system interaction, usability testing, and safety assessments.

Related standards

Complementary and related documents include SAE J3016 (taxonomy and definitions for driving automation systems), SAE J3018 (guidelines for safe on‑road testing of prototype automated driving systems), SAE work on dynamic test procedures (e.g., J3092 activities), and human‑machine interface / ergonomics standards such as ISO 15006 / ISO 15008 and ISO 9241‑210. J3114 is intended to be used alongside these SAE and international HMI/ergonomics references when developing and evaluating automated driving systems.

Keywords

automated driving; driving automation; human factors; driver‑vehicle interface (DVI); takeover; handover; fallback-ready user; automation bias; situational awareness; mental model; SAE J3016; levels 2–4; reliability; driver monitoring; evaluation methods.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: SAE J3114 is an SAE surface vehicle information report (issued December 2016) that provides human‑factors definitions and terminology for automated driving and related research topics to support DVI/HMI design and research.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers user‑centric definitions (e.g., takeover request, transfer of control, automation bias), human‑factors concepts (attention, mental models, situational awareness), perceived reliability, driver monitoring, evaluation methods, and recommended research topic areas related to L2–L4 driving automation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Human‑factors researchers, vehicle HMI designers and engineers, test and validation teams, regulators, standards developers, and academic researchers working on automated driving systems and human–automation interaction.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The report was published in December 2016 (J3114™ DEC2016). As of March 2, 2026, no publicly announced replacement or superseding revision is identified; therefore the 2016 information report remains the published reference. Note: SAE technical reports are subject to periodic review (typically every five years) and may be revised, reaffirmed, or updated by SAE.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: J3114 is complementary to SAE’s suite of automated‑driving documents — most notably SAE J3016 (taxonomy/levels of driving automation). It sits alongside other SAE guidance and technical reports addressing testing, validation and on‑road trial guidance for automated driving features.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Automated driving, driver‑vehicle interface, human factors, takeover/handback, automation bias, situational awareness, mental model, driver monitoring, SAE J3016, L2–L4.