New Level 3 Autonomous Driving Regulations for European Highways in 2026
The year 2026 marks a watershed moment for European transportation. After years of small-scale pilots and cautious “hands-on” systems, the legislative floodgates have opened. As of January 1, 2026, new amendments to the UN Regulation No. 157 and harmonized EU road traffic laws have officially moved Level 3 autonomous driving from a novelty into a regulated reality on European highways.
For drivers, this means the car is no longer just assisting; it is, under specific conditions, the legal driver. Here is an in-depth look at the regulations governing Level 3 autonomy across the EU in 2026.
1. The 130 km/h Milestone: Speed and Scope
The most significant change in 2026 is the expansion of the Operational Design Domain (ODD). Previously, Level 3 systems were largely restricted to “Traffic Jam Pilots” operating at speeds below 60 km/h.
New Limits:
- Speed: The UN-R157 update now permits Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS)
