Spain has recently made a significant leap in the legal framework governing the operation of automated vehicles . The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has announced the Safety and Technology Evaluation Framework for Automated Vehicles program (ES-AV), which will serve as the new regulatory framework for authorizing and supervising all operations related to automated vehicles on roads open to traffic.
The introduction of a red label is set to generate considerable buzz in the coming days. This label is not related to the environmental labeling system currently under revision by the Government. Instead, it will soon appear on the windshields of all automated vehicles wishing to conduct tests on open roads.
This label will serve as a marker, helping us recognize that a vehicle, whether a prototype, in the pre-homologation stage, or operated remotely, is moving autonomously. For law enforcement and the public, it will act as a legal proof that the vehicle has the necessary authorization to operate without physical supervision.
The newly established legal framework aligns with Spain’s commitment to advancing automated vehicle technology . The ES-AV program is a national code that defines how, where, and under what conditions tests can be carried out with autonomous cars in Spain without the need for human supervision aboard. It covers vehicles with automation levels from SAE 2 to SAE 5, as well as those operated remotely.
Three systems will facilitate access and authorization under the purview of the Sub-Directorate General of Mobility Management within the DGT:
- EEE Recognition System: Acknowledgment of tests already authorized in other countries of the European Economic Area .
- Special System: Independent evaluation conducted in Spain.
- External Evaluation System: Exceptional tests for vehicles that have already received authorization in non-EU countries.
The DGT also outlines three testing phases in its program based on the technological maturity and scale of operations on open roads. Each phase sets minimum requirements, and the responsible parties for the autonomous vehicles will inform the DGT of which phase they wish to participate in.
- Phase 1, Controlled: Operational environment with a maximum of three vehicles; SAE level 2 vehicles are not permitted; a safety operator must always be onboard; restricted circulation area.
- Phase 2, Extensive: Simultaneous operation of up to ten vehicles; operator must always be onboard; no restriction on circulation area.
- Phase 3, Pre-Deployment: Simultaneous operation of more than ten vehicles; operator onboard is optional; remote operator is required; vehicles from the EU can use definitive plates. SAE level 2 vehicles are permitted.
In terms of data transparency , the DGT will publish real-time data regarding ongoing tests on its website. Moreover, it mandates that testers provide periodic reports on their operations, although the specific data to be submitted has yet to be clarified.
The DGT’s website currently showcases some tests already conducted in Spain and ongoing initiatives by organizations such as Alsa and the CTAG (Galicia Automotive Technology Center).
Spain’s regulatory framework is pioneering; it has emerged as one of the first countries in the EU alongside Germany and France to create a clear legal framework for the testing of autonomous vehicles. However, it is crucial to note that this regulatory framework only supervises operations in a pre-commercial phase and does not permit the use of completely autonomous vehicles.
Autonomous level 3 and 4 circulation is still unregulated in Spain, and Europe is beginning to roll out authorized trials in restricted areas. Outside Europe, there is little consensus. For instance, Waymo has announced its expansion of autonomous taxis into New York City , though these will still be operated with human oversight due to state regulations prohibiting fully autonomous operation. Other cities, like California , allow robotaxis that have received public use permits.
Countries like China have advanced beyond the US, with Baidu’s Apollo Go service completing 11 million rides , compared to Waymo’s 10 million . While Spain’s recent step is not yet a definitive victory, it marks one of the most significant advancements to date in the realm of autonomous vehicle regulations.
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