What safety evidence is needed?
Testing safety is demonstrated through information about off-road testing or trials abroad.
Topics › Safety and its demonstration
Compare safety evidence requirements and follow sources on technical approval and operation.
Answers from the practical comparison · selected sources checked on 7 September 2026 · Working research overview · targeted review of provisions
Scope: Testing route + specific delivery vehicles
Testing safety is demonstrated through information about off-road testing or trials abroad.
The applicant ensures the technical, staffing and organisational prerequisites. The permit holder is responsible for fulfilling operational duties and testing conditions.
The reference to § 49 has been updated following the amendment effective from 1 September 2026. The finding that a general route is absent is limited to the provisions checked and the status of parliamentary bill 1329. The guide does not cover the entire implementing legislation, all road traffic rules or individual permits.
Scope: Autonomous vehicle in an approved area
Safe performance of driving and risk management must be demonstrated; the area must have appropriate suitability, infrastructure and staffing. For testing, AFGBV requires a development concept, a description of changes, supervision and the ability to deactivate and intervene on site.
The Halter ensures safety, maintenance and performance of technical supervision tasks. Manufacturers have separate duties concerning risks, cybersecurity, documentation and training.
Compared with the original snapshot, the alternative of European type approval in the current § 1e(1), point 2, is clarified. Permanent supervision during testing remains distinct from ordinary autonomous operation. The relationship between the current StVG and AFGBV procedural requirements must be resolved for an individual application; this comparison does not treat it as settled.
Scope: Testing + automated passenger transport system
The pre-launch dossier covers the safety management system, modifications, test results and an updated safety demonstration. Experimental passenger transport or operation without an on-board driver starts with a passenger-free testing phase, whose results are reported to the minister.
The organiser is responsible for preparing safety dossiers and the launch decision. The operator establishes an operational safety management system. During testing, the permit holder ensures remedial action for events threatening safety.
The testing regime was checked in the consolidated text as of 7 September 2026, including the 2020 amendment. The operational branch is limited to passenger transport. The current text of R3152-3 was confirmed directly on Légifrance. This review concerns specific provisions; freight transport, full civil liability and all implementing requirements remain outside its scope.
Scope: Testing with a driver + driverless pilot + APS
For testing, the guidance expects an appropriate safety case. Pilot guidance requires a documented safety case, a safety management system and evidence of operator capability.
These are guidance and assessment requirements; legally binding restrictions for a specific journey must be read in the VSO and APS permit.
The trialling organisation ensures test safety. Pilot guidance separately considers the operator; the APS holder fulfils service conditions. One or several persons may perform these roles.
The relevant national authority has power to grant APS permits. SI 2026/439 governs the Secretary of State’s competence only within its material and territorial scope.
The transitional nature of the framework is retained. Driverless pilots, testing with a driver and passenger service permits are distinguished. Earlier guidance describing planned APS commencement is read against the adopted SI 2026/437 and 439. Individual VSOs, specific permits and full civil liability remain outside the review.
Articles and studies on this topic →
A thematic selection from the public library. It includes published research register data and ROAT editorial additions; it is not a complete inventory of the law in this area.
ROAT-2026-0040 · European Union · Legislation · In force
Review date: 2026-07-14
ROAT-2026-0039 · European Union · Legislation · In force
Review date: 2026-07-14
ROAT-2026-0311 · European Union · Report · Not applicable
Review date: 2026-08-26
ROAT-2026-0312 · European Union · Report · Not applicable
Review date: 2026-08-26
ROAT-2026-0369 · Global · Standard · Not applicable
Review date: 2026-09-07
ROAT-2026-0214 · Great Britain · Concept paper · Under consultation
Review date: 2026-08-04
ROAT-2026-0425 · USA · Draft legislation · Withdrawn proposal
Review date: 2026-09-07
ROAT-2026-0426 · USA · Official guidance · Notice of withdrawal
Review date: 2026-09-07