Spain has recently made a significant leap in the \u00a0legal framework\u00a0 governing the operation of \u00a0automated vehicles\u00a0. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has announced the \u00a0Safety and Technology Evaluation Framework for Automated Vehicles\u00a0 program (ES-AV), which will serve as the new \u00a0regulatory framework\u00a0 for authorizing and supervising all operations related to automated vehicles on roads open to traffic.<\/p>\n
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The introduction of a \u00a0red label\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
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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 \u00a0legal proof\u00a0 that the vehicle has the necessary authorization to operate without physical supervision.<\/p>\n
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The newly established \u00a0legal framework\u00a0 aligns with Spain’s commitment to advancing \u00a0automated vehicle technology\u00a0. 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.<\/p>\n
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Three systems will facilitate access and authorization under the purview of the Sub-Directorate General of Mobility Management within the DGT:<\/p>\n
The DGT also outlines three \u00a0testing phases\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
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In terms of \u00a0data transparency\u00a0, 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.<\/p>\n
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The DGT’s website currently showcases some tests already conducted in Spain and ongoing initiatives by organizations such as Alsa<\/a> and the CTAG<\/a> (Galicia Automotive Technology Center).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Spain\u2019s regulatory framework is pioneering; it has emerged as one of the first countries in the EU alongside \u00a0Germany\u00a0 and \u00a0France\u00a0 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 \u00a0pre-commercial phase\u00a0 and does not permit the use of completely autonomous vehicles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Autonomous level 3 and 4 circulation is still \u00a0unregulated\u00a0 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 \u00a0New York City\u00a0, though these will still be operated with human oversight due to state regulations prohibiting fully autonomous operation. Other cities, like \u00a0California\u00a0, allow robotaxis that have received public use permits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Countries like \u00a0China\u00a0 have advanced beyond the US, with Baidu\u2019s \u00a0Apollo Go\u00a0 service completing \u00a011 million rides\u00a0, compared to Waymo’s \u00a010 million\u00a0. 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Image | Xataka<\/p>\n In Xataka | As European manufacturers ponder the future of cars, Huawei is already envisioning a post-car era.<\/p>\n