Infrastructure

#32026R0481Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/481 amending rules for type-approval of automated driving systems in fully automated vehicles

🇪🇺European Union··Other·Medium Impact·View source ↗

AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.

🇬🇧 English

This regulation removes the previous 1,500 vehicles per year limit for fully automated vehicles under the small series exemption scheme specifically for Automated Valet Parking (AVP) systems. It introduces dedicated technical specifications and safety validation requirements in a new Annex V for AVP features that operate at very low speeds (max 30 km/h) in parking areas. The update aligns EU rules with recent UNECE regulations on steering (UN R79) and braking (UN R13/13-H) and refines several definitions related to ADS features, operational and tactical functions. Manufacturers must now meet enhanced performance, scenario testing, and safety management requirements for unlimited production and deployment of AVP-equipped vehicles.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.

Key Changes

  • Removes the 1,500 vehicles per year registration limit for AVP use case, enabling unlimited type-approval
  • Adds new Annex V with specific technical specifications and safety validation for Automated Valet Parking features
  • Sets maximum speed of AVP-equipped vehicles at 30 km/h within parking areas

+ 3 more changes with Pro

Obligations

What this law requires

high

Manufacturers must subject type-approval of AVP features of ADS to the technical specifications set out in Annex V and have these specifications assessed by approval authorities or their technical services in accordance with Annex V

Manufacturers of fully automated vehicles with AVP systems
licensing
high

Manufacturers must ensure that the organisation safety management system complies with requirements in points 5.1 (except vehicle-related aspects like 'operation' and 'decommissioning'), 5.2, 5.3 and 5.6 through arrangements with any organization involved in development, manufacturing, or in-use deployment of ADS and its features

Manufacturers of automated driving systems and their contractors, suppliers, and sub-organizations
operational
medium

Manufacturers must establish contractual arrangements, clear interfaces, or quality management systems with suppliers and service providers involved in development, manufacturing, or deployment of ADS and AVP features

Manufacturers of fully automated vehicles with AVP systems
operational
high

AVP systems must be designed to operate only within an operational design domain (ODD) limited to parking areas at very low speeds (maximum 30 km/h)

Manufacturers of automated valet parking systems
operational
high

Manufacturers must comply with UN Regulation No 79 (steering equipment) and UN Regulation No 13/13-H (braking) requirements for dual-mode vehicles equipped with AVP systems

Manufacturers of fully automated vehicles with AVP systems
operational

Affected Parties

Vehicle manufacturersAutomated driving system developers+3 more…

Tags

automated vehicles,AVP,type-approval