For automated vehicles without type approval exemptions may be granted for the purpose of conducting pilot trials.
Based on Art. 25h of the Road Traffic Act (RTA), the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) may grant special authorisations to carry out tests with automated vehicles deemed necessary until legal regulations are in place.
In order for a special authorisation to be granted, the trial must provide new findings with regard to the state of the art or the use of automated vehicles or systems. These must have a direct bearing on road traffic.
It must also show how those legal provisions that were unable to be met during the trial could be compensated for with suitable measures. Authorisation can only be granted if the residual risk of the pilot project is justifiable and proportionate from the federal government's point of view.
The special authorisation application must contain the following information:
- It must set out what new findings are being sought in the field of road transport and how these findings are to be obtained.
- It must indicate which regulations (traffic regulations, technical requirements for vehicles, etc.) cannot be complied with during the trial.
- It must explain what compensatory measures are evisaged to ensure the intended purpose of the provisions that cannot be met and guarantee safety. This may require documentation to be provided on vehicle technology, safety and operation as well as training measures, etc. The documents required largely depend on the applicant's project.
- In addition, applicants will also have to submit the necessary documents to obtain a radio licence and, if applicable, a transport licence.
- If the assessment is positive and the special authorisation is granted, a comprehensive final report must be submitted to FEDRO no later than six months after the trial has been completed. The report must contain details of the new findings.
Authorisation procedure and responsibilities:
The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is responsible for granting any exceptional authorisations, and it issues the authorisation. In individual cases, FEDRO can transfer the decision on the authorisation of regional trials to the cantons.
To do this, an application with the required evidence and documents must be submitted to FEDRO.
The authorisation is valid for a limited period. If circumstances change in the course of the preparation phase or during the test, an amendmant must be sought in consultation with FEDRO or a new authorisation obtained, depending on the extent of the changes.