A major regulatory milestone has been reached for the commercialisation of fully automated vehicles in Europe. On 24 March 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/481 officially entered into force, following its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
This regulation introduces the high-level technical requirements and safety validation processes necessary to move Automated Valet Parking (AVP) from niche pilots to mass-market type approval.
Strengthening the Regulatory Framework
Adopted on 3 March 2026, the new measure serves as a critical amendment to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1426, the original bedrock for the type-approval of automated driving systems (ADS).
By amending the Annexes of the 2022 Regulation, the EU has now provided:
- Detailed technical requirements: Specific safety performance standards tailored for AVP systems, including how vehicles interact with "smart" infrastructure in parking garages.
- Validation procedures: Rigorous new processes for manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of fully automated systems in unoccupied vehicle scenarios.
- Legal clarity for series production: The shift away from restricted "small-series" approvals toward a robust, standardised framework for unlimited production.
Procedural Rigour: The Lisbon Treaty in Action
The adoption of this measure followed the ‘examination procedure’ for implementing acts under the Lisbon Treaty. This ensures that the technical specifications were thoroughly vetted by Member State experts within the Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles (TCMV) before becoming law.
ERTICO’s Commitment to AVP
For ERTICO and its partners, this is a "green light" moment. As the coordinator of the Enhancing Automated Valet Parking Platform (EAVP), ERTICO has long advocated for harmonised standards that enable cross-border interoperability between vehicle brands and parking operators.
Sources
European Commission (March 3, 2026): Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1426 (The Base Regulation for ADS)