Portugal authorizes autonomous vehicle trials on public roads

Portugal's government has approved a decree‑law that will allow autonomous vehicles to be tested on public roads beginning in July 2026.

Participants – car makers, universities and research centres – must obtain a specific licence, carry liability insurance at least four times the normal minimum and present a cybersecurity risk‑mitigation plan.

During trials the vehicles may travel no faster than 20 km/h below the posted speed limit. A human driver with at least six years of driving experience and a clean record must be in the vehicle, and drivers must take a one‑hour break after three consecutive hours of operation.

Each test vehicle must be equipped with recording equipment that logs speed, braking, driver interventions and communications with other vehicles or infrastructure, and a detailed report must be submitted after each test.

Authorities say the framework is intended to broaden mobility options for people who cannot drive, improve traffic efficiency and gather data for future wider deployment of autonomous technology.