The Czech Republic is taking an important step towards the future of mobility: with an amendment to the law, it is establishing a clear legal framework for the operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads for the first time. The first systems could be in regular use as early as 2026.
On 24 April 2025, Czech President Petr Pavel signed an amendment to the Road Traffic Act that sets out a clear legal basis for the operation of autonomous vehicles on Czech roads. From 1 January 2026, the amendment will allow vehicles equipped with SAE Level 3 automated driving systems to operate legally. This makes the Czech Republic – alongside Germany – one of the first European countries where drivers will be able to hand over control to the vehicle on certain stretches of road, particularly motorways.
The adoption of the amendment represents a significant step – not only towards improving road safety but also in promoting investment in modern technologies and strengthening the competitiveness of the Czech automotive industry on the global stage. The Automotive Industry Association (AutoSAP), which actively participated in drafting the legislation, is already working on the further development of the framework for operating fully autonomous Level 4+ vehicles.
What This Means in Practice
From 1 January 2026, vehicles equipped with approved Level 3 autonomous driving systems will be able to take control on selected stretches of road – typically motorways – under so-called ‘conditional automation’. At this point, the vehicle assumes full responsibility for all driving tasks. For the driver, this means they are not required to actively participate in driving during this period, provided the prescribed conditions are met. Their only obligation is to be ready to take back control at the vehicle’s request within a minimum of ten seconds, as stipulated by the authorisation regulations.
A Clear Signal for Investment
The adoption of the amendment sends a strong signal to domestic companies to accelerate investment in automated technologies. It enhances their ability to keep pace with international competitors in the development, testing and implementation of modern solutions, which now represent a crucial added value in the automotive sector. The aim is to develop cutting-edge technologies under local conditions, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the Czech Republic and its industries on the global market.
At the same time, the amendment sends a clear message to international investors and technology partners: the Czech Republic is open to innovation and committed to supporting the modern automotive industry.
‘The signing of the amendment by the President is the result of years of effort by the automotive industry and an open dialogue with the current Minister of Transport, Martin Kupka. We are thus opening the way to modern and safe mobility. The global market for driver assistance systems is expected to grow 180-fold between 2023 and 2035 – thanks to this legislation, Czech companies have the opportunity to be part of that growth,’ says Zdeněk Petzl, Managing Director of the Czech Automotive Industry Association (AutoSAP).
Next Steps
AutoSAP has already begun preparing the next phase, which will focus on establishing a legal framework for Level 4+ automated driving systems. This includes supporting real-world testing of fully autonomous vehicles and ensuring the Czech Republic plays an active role in the strategic dialogue of the Industry Action Plan for the European automotive sector.
