For the first time in automotive history, the “eyes-off, hands-off” dream has arrived on European motorways. As of early 2026, the regulatory landscape has shifted significantly. While Level 2 systems (like Tesla’s Autopilot or Volvo’s Pilot Assist) require you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, Level 3 Conditional Automation allows the vehicle to take full legal and technical control under specific conditions.

In the European Union, this transition is governed by strict UN-R157 regulations and local traffic laws. Here is your comprehensive guide on how to safely and legally use Level 3 autonomous driving in 2026.

1. Understanding the Legal Framework: UN-R157

The backbone of Level 3 driving in the EU is the UN Regulation No. 157. Originally limited to low-speed traffic jams (up to 60 km/h), the regulation was updated to allow “Automated Lane Keeping Systems” (ALKS) to operate at speeds of … Continue reading >>>