This paper highlights the factors that should be addressed by any countries when considering Autonomous Vehicle (AV) implementation, along with issues and opportunities that may arise. AV is an emerging technology that has far-reaching applications and implications beyond all current expectations. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the relevant literatures and explores a broad spectrum of readiness factors, issues and opportunities in the aspects of legislations, litigation, liability, road and surrounding infrastructures, map availability, public acceptance, privacy and public perceptions. While the intention of AV implementation may be driven to address several road safety and road efficiency issues, the traffic mix between AV and non-AV at its initial stage of implementation may introduce a negative impact towards the overall road safety and traffic operations. A systematic framework in adopting and implementing the technology should therefore be established to ensure its objectives are met. This paper contributes to the literature on the fronts that it attempts to shed light on future opportunities as well as possible issues associated with AV implementation; and provide an overall guidance on fundamental factors to be considered before implementing AV.

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