The Milli Majlis has adopted, in the first reading, legislation regarding the implementation of autonomous vehicles across all transport modes, including automotive, rail, metro, tram, maritime, and air transport.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the bill, which introduces amendments to the Merchant Shipping Code and laws on "Road Traffic," "Transport," "State Duty," "List of items with limited civil circulation," "Automobile Transport," and "Aviation," was discussed during today's extraordinary session of the Milli Majlis.
The legislation aims to establish the normative, legal, technological, and institutional framework for the deployment of autonomous transport systems. This initiative aligns with the "Action Plan for 2026–2028 on Accelerating Digital Development," approved by the President of Azerbaijan on February 27, 2026, which mandates the creation of a legal framework based on international best practices.
The bill introduces key definitions such as "autonomous vehicle," "operator," and "remote control center" into legislation, establishing high and fully automated driving levels. It mandates that autonomous vehicles must be registered with the state and operated only in designated areas. Operators must obtain a certificate, valid for five years, with a state duty of 20 AZN. They are responsible for monitoring automated systems, intervening in emergencies, ensuring data security, and reporting incidents to relevant state authorities. Data transmitted to state systems must be retained by operators for six months.
The legislation also outlines liability for damages, insurance requirements, and the use of a special "Autonomous Vehicle" identification sign. Additionally, civilian autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now classified as items requiring special permits for circulation. Following the discussions, the bill was put to a vote and adopted in the first reading.
