It will be possible to test autonomous cars in real-world settings
The Government approved a licensing regime to authorise tests of autonomous vehicles. At the Council of Ministers, the rules for vehicle conversion were also simplified.
Rules approved for autonomous vehicle public‑road tests
The Government approved a framework to licence tests of autonomous vehicles and automatic driving systems on public roads, including in urban areas, with the aim of accelerating innovation and defining safety rules, press outlets report. The measures set conditions that operators must meet to run trials on public streets; detailed technical and liability rules will follow in implementing regulations. Road users in cities should be prepared to encounter test vehicles and obey temporary signage or speed controls during trials. Those interested in mobility policy or automotive testing should monitor the published licensing rules and local transport notices.
Public‑road testing of autonomous vehicles allows companies to trial self‑driving cars and other autonomous systems on real streets under a legal framework and safety conditions rather than only on private tracks. Portugal's Council of Ministers approved rules to allow these tests so developers can validate systems in real traffic and regulators can set requirements for safety, insurance and oversight.
