Israel prepares regulation for robotaxis in 2027
Israel is expected to adopt international regulations for autonomous vehicles in the second half of 2027, following UNECE approval in late June. The new framework covers safety requirements, model approval, and licensing for driverless vehicles, potentially enabling robotaxis and other autonomous transport.
Israel is preparing to implement regulations for autonomous vehicles, with sources in the Ministry of Transport indicating that rules will come into effect in the second half of 2027. These regulations will allow driving in vehicles with advanced autonomous assistance systems. The process has been delayed for over five years due to a lack of international standards and legal issues. However, at the end of June, the UN's central standardization body (UNECE) approved an international regulation that standardizes autonomous vehicles allowed on public roads. This is the first comprehensive international regulation for autonomy level 4 and above, covering safety requirements, uniform model approval processes, and manufacturer responsibility for safety at least equal to a skilled human driver. It also mandates data recording systems, continuous monitoring, and licensing for vehicles without conventional steering wheels. The new standard is expected to be adopted automatically in Israel as part of European standards, eliminating regulatory awkwardness and providing a basis for import permits. The automotive industry expects initial adoption in commercial fleets on limited routes, such as robotaxis, autonomous port cranes, and designated buses. The Cross Israel company is promoting a tender for autonomous shuttles in the Golan Heights, initially with a control driver and later without.