Slovakia and Czech Republic advance autonomous driving regulations

Slovakia and the Czech Republic are advancing the legal and technical frameworks for autonomous and assisted driving technologies.

In Slovakia, the National Council has approved a new law to establish a legal framework for fully automated vehicles, set to take effect on December 1, 2026. The legislation introduces a licensing system managed by the Ministry of Transport, which will require vehicles to undergo successful testing and obtain operational permits. The law mandates technical supervision via a control center capable of monitoring vehicles continuously and ensuring they can reach a minimal safe state. Operators must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license for at least three years, and be employed by the license holder. Fines for operating without a license can reach 50,000 EUR.

In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Transport has granted provisional approval for Tesla’s ‘FSD Supervised’ system, following a similar decision by the Dutch RDW. This Level 2 SAE assistance system allows for lane changes, navigation-based turns, and obstacle avoidance, though the driver remains fully responsible and must monitor the road at all times. The approval follows months of discussions regarding speed limits, traffic sign recognition, and driver attentiveness.