Since the amendment of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) in 2021 and the enactment of the Autonomous Vehicles Approval and Operation Ordinance (AFGBV) in 2022, Germany has established a legal framework enabling the operation of "autonomous vehicles" 1 within designated operational areas. However, despite this progressive legal framework, no operational area has yet been approved for regular operations. One of the primary reasons lies in the complexity of the approval process, as the field is still uncharted territory.
With the publication of the Guideline for Operational Area Assessment this year, Germany has taken a critical step toward the practical implementation of its autonomous driving legal framework. This guideline serves as a decision-making tool for approving operational areas for autonomous vehicles, offering clear and transparent criteria for authorities to evaluate applications and grant approvals.
The guideline clarifies the evaluation criteria needed to ensure the suitability of an operational area and the driving capability of autonomous vehicles. It also provides applicants with structured guidance on how to meet the specific requirements of the StVG and AFGBV. Key components are: A standardised application template, which outlines the necessary documentation about the vehicle, the operational area, and the technical supervision, as well as a detailed assessment catalog, which defines in detail how the performance capabilities of an autonomous vehicle will be assessed. These components streamline the approval process for regulatory authorities while giving applicants clear instructions for navigating the requirements successfully.
The new assessment guideline is a central tool for advancing the practical implementation of Germany’s legal framework for autonomous vehicles. It provides clarity, structure, and transparency to a complex process, offering all stakeholders a reliable basis for decision-making. This marks a crucial step toward initiating the first projects involving autonomous vehicles in approved operational areas. Furthermore, the guideline has the potential to influence the development of regulatory standards at the European level.
In November 2024, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport also published „Autonomous Driving in Public Transportation: A Handbook with Implementation Proposals for Municipal Practice“ (Autonomes Fahren im öffentlichen Verkehr: Ein Handbuch mit Vorschlägen für die Umsetzung in der kommunalen Praxis). This handbook aims to support municipalities, mobility providers, and transit authorities in the strategic and operational integration of autonomous and connected vehicles into public transport systems. 2
Additionally, in December 2024, the German government adopted a new “Strategy for Autonomous Driving in Road Traffic” (Strategie zum autonomen Fahren im Straßenverkehr), aimed at paving the way for regular operations. The strategy focuses on key application areas, such as public transportation and freight logistics. 3
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