Poland’s Sejm adopted a law easing research and testing of automated vehicles on public roads, prioritizing safety and legal compliance.
Testing Framework and Conditions
The law allows public road testing of automated vehicles, including those at Level 3 autonomy, with permits from authorities. Permits specify test scope, location, duration, and responsible entities, while all traffic safety rules apply. The Ministry of Infrastructure notes that the new rules enable real-world testing beyond closed tracks.
Tests must minimize risks to road users, requiring vehicle preparation, supervision, and compliance with permit conditions. The testing entity bears full responsibility for organization and safety.
Protection of Commercial Interests
The law safeguards commercial interests by ensuring confidentiality of business secrets during permit applications and testing oversight. Documents and data shared in these processes are protected from unauthorized access, fostering innovation without risking proprietary knowledge.
Professional Registration Expansion
The law extends “professional registration” to used-car dealers, allowing temporary road access for test drives, relocations, or trials without full registration. This simplifies logistics, reduces costs, and speeds up vehicle turnover.
Impact on Automotive and Mobility Sectors
The reforms are seen as a boost for Poland’s automotive and mobility tech ecosystem. Real-world testing, under strict safety protocols, is expected to attract R&D projects, foster industry-academia collaboration, and accelerate innovation deployment. Streamlined professional registration benefits the trade and service sectors.
Implementation Timeline
The law includes a grace period, with key provisions taking effect months after publication to allow administration and market preparation for new procedures, including permit issuance and expanded professional registration.
Level 3 Autonomy Explained
Level 3: Conditional Automation. At this level, drivers can disengage from driving tasks only in specific conditions, such as speed limits, road types, or weather. While drivers may perform other activities, they must be ready to retake control if the system demands. Features like traffic jam assist automate acceleration, steering, and braking, allowing drivers to rest. In urban settings, the vehicle alerts drivers to resume control for higher-speed driving. The system also monitors the driver’s readiness to intervene and can stop safely if necessary.
