Regulatory Frameworks for Testing Automated Vehicles: Comparative Analysis of National Regulations and Key Aspects for a Sustainable Implementation

Abstract

Many countries and regions have recognised the potential of automated transport as a solution to cover mobility needs in a sustainable way. They have implemented dedicated strategies and allowed trial operations of Automated Vehicles (AVs) within their national frameworks.

This chapter conducts an analysis of the legal frameworks for AV trial operations in 11 European countries. It reviews existing laws and regulations and includes results from an online survey with national stakeholders and experts experienced in AV testing.

The results reveal very different approaches among European countries. Moreover, results indicate a stronger focus on technical safety aspects of the vehicles rather than on operational procedures and mobility integration, such as incorporating AV services into existing public transport systems.

This high level of disparity between the different European legal frameworks poses a considerable barrier to a rollout of the technologies and methodologies for AVs without cross-border and cross-supplier conflicts. Furthermore, when moving to the deployment of real services in the near future a common European framework and a stronger focus on operational procedures are essential for the implementation of automated transport services in order to cover the mobility needs of people in a more sustainable way (e.g. first/last mile to public transport).

European countries should further integrate operational aspects in the terms of services that are integrated in public transport, align deployment of AVs with national and local sustainability goals and focus on use cases beyond private vehicles to foster the transition to a more sustainable future of transport.

Citation

Schallauer, D., Soteropoulos, A., Cornet, H., Klar, W. and Fürdös, A. (2024), "Regulatory Frameworks for Testing Automated Vehicles: Comparative Analysis of National Regulations and Key Aspects for a Sustainable Implementation", Thomopoulos, N., Attard, M. and Shiftan, Y. (Ed.) Sustainable Automated and Connected Transport (Transport and Sustainability, Vol. 19), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 101-117. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-994120240000019006