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Autonomous Vehicles - Code of Practice for Testing in Belgium

Belgium · Guideline · FPS Mobility and Transport

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Our summary

This document sets out non-binding guidelines for organizations testing driver assistance and automated vehicle technologies in real-world settings on Belgian public roads and public places. It specifies minimum safety conditions including requirements for test drivers, operators, insurance, risk analysis, and engagement with competent authorities. The guidelines aim to facilitate responsible testing while protecting road safety and reducing potential risks.

Written by the Index in our own words. It is not legal advice; the official text is the authority.

Inside this policy

Every section of this policy in order. Our notes summarise each one in plain language and do not quote the official text, which is the authority.

Drafted by the Index An automated summary of the official text, not yet reviewed by a person.Reviewed Checked by a person against the official text.

7 sections

Introduction and scope

This Code guides organisations conducting tests of driver assistance and partly or fully automated vehicle technologies in real-world Belgian conditions. Tests require a test driver or in certain cases a test operator to manage the vehicle safely, and manufacturers or testing organisations must develop and thoroughly test these technologies before market release, with controlled testing on public roads and places facilitated to minimise risk.

Drafted by the IndexOfficial text of Introduction and scope (opens in a new tab)

Scope and definitions

The Code applies to testing driver assistance and partially or fully automated vehicle technologies (from SAE level 1 upwards) on public roads or public places in Belgium, covering vehicles from automated pods to cars, vans, buses and lorries. It defines automated vehicles as those with drivers able to disengage under specific conditions, and fully automated vehicles as those requiring no driver intervention and able to complete journeys safely in all conditions, though testing versions must allow manual control resumption.

Drafted by the IndexOfficial text of Scope and definitions (opens in a new tab)

General safety requirements

Testing organisations must ensure vehicles meet roadworthy and traffic law requirements, test drivers and operators hold appropriate driving licences and training, conduct prior risk analysis, conduct trials on private property first, and allow authority representatives to attend tests. Tests on public roads require a test driver present; other public places require a test operator if vehicle speed does not exceed 30 km/h. Organisations must inform passengers that the vehicle is a prototype.

Drafted by the IndexOfficial text of General safety requirements (opens in a new tab)

Insurance, authorities and engagement

Organisations must maintain statutory insurance coverage and engage with federal, regional and local transport and road authorities. They must compile reports after tests, coordinate public communication with authorities about test nature and risks, and notify police by email with test times, locations and vehicle registration at least 3 working days before trials begin. Test drivers and operators must understand the systems' capabilities and limitations and be authorised by the testing organisation.

Drafted by the IndexOfficial text of Insurance, authorities and engagement (opens in a new tab)

Personnel requirements and training

Test drivers and test operators must hold an appropriate driving licence for the vehicle category being tested, including when testing fully automated operation, with several years' experience recommended. Testing organisations must implement training procedures covering the specific capabilities and limitations of the technologies under test, mode transitions, potentially hazardous situations, and safely resuming manual control. Test drivers and operators must remain alert and sufficiently rested to perform their duties, with organisations developing procedures to prevent fatigue, and all Belgian road traffic laws and bans on alcohol and drugs continue to apply regardless of automation mode.

Drafted by the IndexOfficial text of Personnel requirements and training (opens in a new tab)

Vehicle technical requirements

Testing organisations must establish and communicate explicit conduct rules for test personnel, including prohibitions on alcohol and drugs; Belgian traffic law applies regardless of automated mode operation. Test vehicles must comply with Belgian national requirements under the Royal Decree of 15 March 1968 or equivalent European standards, and organisations must demonstrate through audit reports that automated systems functioned successfully during preliminary closed-track testing before public road trials commence.

Drafted by the IndexOfficial text of Vehicle technical requirements (opens in a new tab)

Data recording and protection

Test vehicles must have data recording equipment capturing sensor data, operational mode, speed, steering and braking commands, vehicle location, indicator status, sensor readings of other road users, and any remote control inputs; organisations must explain why any of these elements cannot be recorded. When personal data about individuals' behaviour or location are collected, testing organisations must comply with data protection legislation by using data fairly and lawfully, storing it securely, and retaining it only as long as necessary.

Drafted by the IndexOfficial text of Data recording and protection (opens in a new tab)

Controls

What this policy requires, forbids, grants or penalises, one control at a time and in our own words. Each control links to the official text, which is the authority. This is not legal advice.

Drafted by the Index Drafted automatically from the official text, not yet reviewed by a person.Reviewed Checked by a person against the official text.

Themes covered 13 of 35

Choose a theme to see only its controls. About the themes

Risk and scope 2 of 4

  • Risk classification, not covered
  • Prohibited practices, not covered

Data and privacy 1 of 4

  • Data subject rights and consent, not covered
  • Cross-border data transfer, not covered
  • Copyright and training data, not covered

Transparency and records 2 of 4

  • Transparency and disclosure to users, not covered
  • Labelling of synthetic content, not covered

Technical safeguards 3 of 4

  • Bias and non-discrimination, not covered

Assurance and lifecycle 2 of 4

  • Conformity assessment and certification, not covered
  • Post-market monitoring and corrective action, not covered

Rights and protected groups 0 of 4

  • Automated decision-making rights, not covered
  • Children and vulnerable groups, not covered
  • Biometric identification and surveillance, not covered
  • Whistleblowing, complaints and redress, not covered

Roles and organisation 3 of 6

  • General purpose and foundation models, not covered
  • Public sector use and procurement, not covered
  • Innovation support and sandboxes, not covered

Enforcement and sectors 0 of 5

  • Enforcement, penalties and regulators, not covered
  • Sector rules: health, not covered
  • Sector rules: finance and insurance, not covered
  • Sector rules: employment, not covered
  • Sector rules: education, not covered

29 controls

Group by

General safety requirements 6 controls

  1. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations must ensure vehicles are roadworthy and comply with Belgian traffic law.

    General safety requirementsOfficial text of General safety requirements (opens in a new tab)
  2. ObligationApplies to: OthersDrafted by the Index

    Test drivers and operators must hold appropriate driving licences and complete training.

    General safety requirementsOfficial text of General safety requirements (opens in a new tab)
  3. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations must complete risk assessments before testing.

    General safety requirementsOfficial text of General safety requirements (opens in a new tab)
  4. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing on public roads requires an on-site test driver to be present.

    General safety requirementsOfficial text of General safety requirements (opens in a new tab)
  5. PermissionApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing in other public spaces at speeds under 30 km/h may use a remote test operator instead of an on-site driver.

    General safety requirementsOfficial text of General safety requirements (opens in a new tab)
  6. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations bear full responsibility for safety and must allow authorities to observe tests.

    General safety requirementsOfficial text of General safety requirements (opens in a new tab)

Insurance, authorities and test personnel 5 controls

  1. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations must obtain statutory insurance to cover testing activities.

    Insurance, authorities and test personnelOfficial text of Insurance, authorities and test personnel (opens in a new tab)
  2. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations must engage with relevant transport and road authorities.

    Insurance, authorities and test personnelOfficial text of Insurance, authorities and test personnel (opens in a new tab)
  3. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations must notify police at least 3 working days before testing with details of locations, times and vehicle registration data.

    Applies when: before testing

    Insurance, authorities and test personnelOfficial text of Insurance, authorities and test personnel (opens in a new tab)
  4. ObligationApplies to: OthersDrafted by the Index

    Test drivers and operators must be trained and understand the vehicle systems and their limitations.

    Insurance, authorities and test personnelOfficial text of Insurance, authorities and test personnel (opens in a new tab)
  5. ObligationApplies to: OthersDrafted by the Index

    Test drivers and operators must maintain capacity to intervene and assume manual control at all times.

    Insurance, authorities and test personnelOfficial text of Insurance, authorities and test personnel (opens in a new tab)

Test driver and operator requirements 4 controls

  1. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Test drivers and operators should hold appropriate driving licences and possess skills beyond those needed for conventional driving, including comprehensive understanding of automated technologies and their limitations.

    Test driver and operator requirementsOfficial text of Test driver and operator requirements (opens in a new tab)
  2. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations should implement training procedures for test drivers covering hazardous situations and transitions between manual and automated modes.

    Test driver and operator requirementsOfficial text of Test driver and operator requirements (opens in a new tab)
  3. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations should establish working hour limits for test drivers to prevent fatigue.

    Test driver and operator requirementsOfficial text of Test driver and operator requirements (opens in a new tab)
  4. ProhibitionApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations should prohibit test drivers from using alcohol and drugs during testing.

    Test driver and operator requirementsOfficial text of Test driver and operator requirements (opens in a new tab)

Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testing 5 controls

  1. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations should implement daily time constraints and other measures to limit test driver fatigue.

    Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testingOfficial text of Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testing (opens in a new tab)
  2. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations should establish conduct rules prohibiting alcohol and drugs for test drivers.

    Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testingOfficial text of Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testing (opens in a new tab)
  3. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations should ensure test drivers present themselves appropriately to other road users.

    Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testingOfficial text of Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testing (opens in a new tab)
  4. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Adapted or new test vehicles must comply with Belgian traffic laws and technical inspection standards.

    Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testingOfficial text of Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testing (opens in a new tab)
  5. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations should verify through prior evaluation on private facilities that automated technologies function safely before conducting public road trials.

    Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testingOfficial text of Test drivers, vehicles and preliminary testing (opens in a new tab)

Data recording and protection 4 controls

  1. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Automated vehicles under test must have data recording devices that capture operational mode, speed, steering and braking commands, sensor data, and vehicle location.

    Data recording and protectionOfficial text of Data recording and protection (opens in a new tab)
  2. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Following incidents, testing organisations must provide recorded data to authorities.

    Data recording and protectionOfficial text of Data recording and protection (opens in a new tab)
  3. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations must comply with data protection legislation when collecting personal data from test vehicle operations.

    Data recording and protectionOfficial text of Data recording and protection (opens in a new tab)
  4. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Testing organisations should assess the privacy impacts of collecting personal data from vehicles under test.

    Data recording and protectionOfficial text of Data recording and protection (opens in a new tab)

Safety systems and transition procedures 5 controls

  1. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Transition systems between manual and automated modes should be straightforward and allow operators to clearly identify the current mode.

    Safety systems and transition proceduresOfficial text of Safety systems and transition procedures (opens in a new tab)
  2. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Transition systems should provide timely warnings and allow operators to resume control quickly.

    Safety systems and transition proceduresOfficial text of Safety systems and transition procedures (opens in a new tab)
  3. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Software versions must be documented and thoroughly tested before deployment on public roads.

    Safety systems and transition proceduresOfficial text of Safety systems and transition procedures (opens in a new tab)
  4. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    Test vehicles must have failure warnings and retain manual braking and steering capability even if automated systems malfunction.

    Safety systems and transition proceduresOfficial text of Safety systems and transition procedures (opens in a new tab)
  5. ObligationApplies to: ProviderDrafted by the Index

    All critical functions should be validated on closed roads before public road testing commences.

    Safety systems and transition proceduresOfficial text of Safety systems and transition procedures (opens in a new tab)

Change history

No changes recorded since we began monitoring this policy.