AZE.US
Azerbaijan is preparing for the future introduction of autonomous, driverless transport, according to the country’s digital development roadmap for the coming years.
The initiative is included in the 2026-2028 Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development, approved by President Ilham Aliyev. The plan предусматривает создание правовой, технологической и институциональной базы для внедрения автономных систем в различных видах транспорта.
Authorities say the framework will cover not only self-driving cars, but also autonomous technologies in railways, metro systems, trams, maritime transport and aviation.
Experts note that the introduction of driverless vehicles could become an important step toward modernizing Azerbaijan’s transportation system and integrating advanced mobility technologies.
At the same time, the issue of safety and regulation remains central. In several countries where autonomous taxis have been tested, including parts of the United States, incidents involving driverless vehicles have sparked debates about their reliability and the risks associated with their deployment.
Another major challenge is legal responsibility. Current traffic laws are based on the concept of a human driver who is responsible for violations and accidents. With autonomous vehicles, it remains unclear who would bear responsibility in the event of an accident – the manufacturer, the service operator, or the company managing the fleet.
Experts say Azerbaijan will need to update its legal framework before such vehicles can operate widely.
Before appearing on public roads, autonomous vehicles are expected to undergo pilot testing in controlled environments, such as logistics facilities or airports.
If regulatory preparations and testing proceed as planned, specialists say driverless vehicles could begin appearing on Azerbaijani roads within the next three to four years.