Azerbaijan creates conditions for launching driverless buses and trains

As part of the implementation of the "Action Plan for Accelerating the Digital Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2028," amendments have been made to legislation aimed at establishing legal mechanisms for the introduction of autonomous vehicles.

The document provides for the creation of a regulatory, legal, and institutional framework for the application of autonomous technologies in land modes of transportation.

For the first time, the concepts of "autonomous vehicle," "operator," and "remote control center" have been enshrined in legislation. In addition, high and fully automated levels of vehicle control have been defined.

It is assumed that the amendments will make it possible to create the legal conditions for the operation of:

• driverless buses traveling along special routes;
• driverless metro trains;
• autonomous freight vehicles operating in logistics centers and industrial zones;
• remotely controlled tram and railway systems.

Autonomous vehicles will be able to be operated only after undergoing state registration and obtaining permission for use in zones determined by authorized bodies. At the first stage, for example, driverless buses will be able to undergo testing and be used on special lanes or limited routes.

Oversight of the operation of such vehicles will be carried out by operators working on the basis of special certificates. Even in the absence of a driver in the cabin, an operator at the remote control center will be able to monitor the operation of the system and, if necessary, intervene in the control process.

According to the draft law, the following must be ensured:

• the conduct of tests of autonomous vehicles in a regulated testing environment;
• the creation of remote control centers;
• the transmission of data to state information systems in real time;
• the storage of data for no less than six months.

One of the key innovations will be the introduction of a special identifying sign, "Autonomous Vehicle," which will make it possible to distinguish such vehicles from ordinary transport.

It is noted that similar technologies are already being applied in various countries. Autonomous buses and taxis are undergoing testing or are in operation in China, the UAE, and the United States.

Thus, the proposed amendments create a legal basis for the introduction in Azerbaijan of the transport of the future — driverless buses, autonomous metro systems, and railway transport. It is expected that this will contribute to increasing the safety, efficiency, and technological sophistication of the transportation system.