Azerbaijan prepares for deployment of autonomous transport vehicles

Azerbaijan is planning to introduce autonomous vehicles across all modes of transport, including road, rail, metro, tram, maritime and aviation sectors.

The initiative is reflected in a draft law proposing amendments to the Merchant Shipping Code and the laws “On Road Traffic,” “On Transport,” “On State Duty,” “On the List of Items That May Belong to Certain Participants of Civil Circulation and Whose Circulation Is Permitted Only with Special Authorization,” “On Road Transport,” and “On Aviation.”

The document was discussed today at a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship. The proposed legislation aims to establish the legal, technological and institutional framework necessary for the deployment of autonomous transport systems.

During the meeting, it was noted that the Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development for 2026–2028, approved by a presidential decree on February 27, 2026, includes provisions for creating a legal framework for autonomous transport systems based on an analysis of international best practices.

Under the draft law, several new concepts would be introduced into Azerbaijani legislation, including “autonomous vehicle,” “operator,” and “remote control center.” The legislation would also define highly automated and fully automated levels of vehicle operation across maritime, aviation, railway, metro, tram and road transport sectors.

The draft establishes requirements for autonomous vehicles, operators, remote control centers and automated driving systems. It also defines the responsibilities of operators and vehicle owners. Autonomous vehicles would only be allowed to operate after state registration and within areas designated by authorized government agencies.

Both legal entities and individuals would be eligible to operate autonomous vehicles after obtaining a special certificate. Operators would be required to monitor the performance of automated systems, intervene when safety risks arise, ensure the storage and protection of operational data, and immediately notify relevant authorities in the event of an accident or incident.

The legislation also предусматривает regulatory testing environments for evaluating the effectiveness of autonomous driving systems and outlines liability mechanisms for damages caused during vehicle operation.

Operator certificates would be issued for a period of five years. A state fee of 20 manats would be charged for obtaining an operator certificate.

The draft also requires the establishment of remote control centers and mandates the real-time transmission of operational data to state information systems. Such data must be recorded and stored by operators for at least six months.

Autonomous vehicles would undergo testing within special regulatory environments, while specific operating zones on roads, in airspace and in waterways would be designated by authorities.

The legislation further clarifies the distribution of liability among vehicle owners, operators, manufacturers and service providers in the event of accidents or damages, while also updating insurance requirements.

For road vehicles, a special identification sign labeled “Autonomous Vehicle” would be introduced. In addition, civilian autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) would be added to the list of items requiring special authorization for circulation.