Lorraine Williamson
In a move that positions Spain at the forefront of transport innovation, the country has rolled out its first official framework for testing autonomous vehicles on public roads. Until now, the legal landscape for self-driving cars in Spain was vague. That changed this month, with the launch of the ES-AV programme by the national traffic authority, the DGT.
The initiative aims to pave the way—safely and gradually—for the future of mobility. While driverless cars aren’t new globally, Spain is now taking deliberate steps to ensure their introduction is safe, controlled, and transparent.
A controlled approach to high-tech mobility
At the heart of the new programme is a clear three-phase testing structure. Before autonomous vehicles can take to public roads, they must first prove their safety on enclosed circuits. Next comes supervised testing at larger facilities. Only after completing these steps successfully will limited public road testing be allowed.
The process reflects the DGT’s cautious approach: innovation, yes—but never at the expense of safety.
Dedicated support for companies
To streamline the process, the government has created a central point of contact for companies eager to test their autonomous technology: the OFVA, or Office for Test Facilitation of Automated Vehicles. Firms can submit their testing plans and choose one of three approval routes: independent safety evaluation, recognition of existing European approvals, or a fast-track based on prior proof of safety.
Transparency is non-negotiable. All manufacturers must submit detailed documentation on how their vehicles operate, what scenarios they will be tested in, and what safeguards are in place.
Spotting a self-driving car? Look for red
To make autonomous vehicles immediately recognisable to other road users, Spain has introduced a red sticker system—similar in style to environmental labels already common on windscreens. Any vehicle involved in testing must display the red marker clearly, allowing other drivers to respond appropriately on the road.
This morning, I spotted a self-driving car. At first, I thought it might be a car from the UK with the driver on the other side. But on a second look, there was no driver!
Long road ahead—but a clear direction
Experts agree that we won’t see cities filled with driverless cars anytime soon. Yet the rollout of ES-AV is a pivotal step. It signals Spain’s readiness to engage with next-generation transport, balancing technological ambition with public safety and clear accountability.
By setting out a structured roadmap now, Spain hopes to become a reference point for responsible innovation—not just following global trends, but helping to shape them.
Malaga has Europe´s first self-driving bus
Spain’s vision: innovation without compromise
As European nations grapple with the question of how—and when—to introduce autonomous vehicles, Spain has put its cards on the table. The message is clear: the country is open for testing, but only on its terms. And those terms prioritise safety, transparency, and step-by-step implementation over hype or haste.
With the ES-AV framework now active, Spain has signalled its ambition to be more than just a testing ground—it wants to help define the rules of the road for a driverless future.
Source: 20Minutos