New Steps in the Development of the Legal Framework for Autonomous Driving

12 December 2023

On December 2, 2023, in Serbia, the Regulation on the Conditions for Autonomous Driving came into effect, detailing the conditions under which autonomous driving is conducted and the procedure for issuing permits for testing autonomous vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the Regulation).

This regulation is in line with the latest amendments to the Law on Traffic Safety and Roads (hereinafter referred to as the LTSR) and will provide a clear and predictable procedure for individuals wishing to test vehicles with automated driving systems in real traffic conditions. Testing will be allowed for legal entities headquartered in the Republic of Serbia who wish to test heavy quadricycles, passenger vehicles, or freight vehicles weighing up to three and a half tons. Testing of Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous vehicles is possible in accordance with technical standards, with permit issuance conditions including additional checks and controls.

To obtain a permit, an application is required with information about the testing organizer, drivers, the vehicle's operational domain, and other details. The most important element of the application is a valid vehicle testing certificate issued by the Traffic Safety Agency. The Ministry of Internal Affairs issues the permit in accordance with the Regulation and other regulations, and the permit may include testing conditions to ensure safety for all participants in traffic.

Before the adoption of this Regulation, Serbia had already issued two permits for testing Level 3 autonomous vehicles under existing regulations. This Regulation provides detailed regulation of this activity, ensuring a clear procedure and the potential for further development. The adoption of this Regulation is a continuation of efforts to establish a legal framework for testing autonomous vehicles within the territory of the Republic of Serbia, opening opportunities to attract companies operating in this industry and engaging our experts in this field. It also lays the foundation for the development of integrated transport systems (ITS) and connected automated mobility (CCAM). We can expect the adoption of more legal acts in the near future to further advance in this direction and align ourselves with the best global knowledge and trends.