Autonomous Driving Systems
"We have created a clear legal framework"
Teleoperated Driving to be Permitted in Germany
Also a legal challenge: Autonomous driving.
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The Straßenverkehr-Fernlenk-Verordnung (Road Traffic Remote Control Regulation) creates for the first time a legal framework for the operation of remotely controlled motor vehicles on public roads in Germany. The federal government sees significant potential for increasing efficiency in this.
"With the Straßenverkehr-Fernlenk-Verordnung, we have created a clear legal framework for the testing of remotely controlled motor vehicles on public roads. In a five-year testing phase, we enable innovation without losing sight of safety and responsibility. The regulation enables new mobility concepts and lays the foundation for a permanent legal regulation," said Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport.
The ministry sees "a technology that can also support the regular operation of vehicles with autonomous driving functions" in the remote control of motor vehicles. New potentials arise especially in the area of car sharing: vehicles could be used more efficiently by being remotely controlled to the next customer after use. The use of remotely controlled taxis, which are flexible and demand-oriented without any driving personnel on board, is also conceivable.
According to the ministry, numerous opportunities for efficiency improvement also open up in the municipal area: from public transport with smaller or larger vehicles to service and supply trips, remotely controlled mobility solutions could help to complement existing offers and meet new demands. Logistics and freight transport can also be optimised through the use of remotely controlled vehicles.
The regulation comes into force on 1 December 2025.
