In the near future, automobiles in our nation will be allowed to operate without a human driver at the wheel.
Germany is set to embark on a historic journey towards a mobility revolution, with the announcement of a five-year test phase for remotely controlled vehicles. The Road Traffic Remote Control Ordinance, effective from July 30, 2025, paves the way for this transformation [3].
The test phase, scheduled to begin in December 2025, will provide a legal basis for testing remote-controlled vehicles on public roads in Germany. Although the exact start date for the test phase is yet to be confirmed, the ordinance suggests that practical testing should commence soon after or within the next few years within this five-year period.
German tech company Vay, which has already demonstrated the practical application of remote control technology in vehicles, has received 34 million euros from the European Investment Bank to expand its services to private vehicles and transport services [1]. This funding underscores the growing enthusiasm for the new technology, with 46% of Germans expressing interest in a ride in a remotely controllable car [2].
The test phase will focus on car sharing, driverless taxis, and delivery vehicles, with the ultimate goal of improving efficiency, saving costs, and increasing space in cities, particularly in areas with high demand and limited parking space [4]. The technology allows vehicles to come to the customer independently and be remotely controlled during the ride, ensuring safety in complex situations such as construction sites or unexpected obstacles [5].
During the test phase, people in control centers will be allowed to remotely control vehicles in public traffic. In addition, they will have the ability to take over cars in the middle of public traffic, demonstrating the smooth operation of the technology and leading to its permanent introduction [6].
This mobility revolution is part of a broader movement towards self-driving cars, which are expected to revolutionize transportation in our country. The introduction of remotely controlled vehicles marks a significant step towards this future, setting the stage for a more efficient, cost-effective, and space-saving transportation system in Germany.
[1] European Investment Bank invests 34 million euros in German tech company Vay. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/en/press/news/2021-03-24.2021-eib-invests-34-million-euros-in-german-tech-company-vay
[2] 46% of Germans consider a ride in a remotely controllable car. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1172706/germany-interest-in-autonomous-driving/
[3] Road Traffic Remote Control Ordinance. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuell/road-traffic-remote-control-ordinance-1854628
[4] Vay's remote control technology saves costs, space, and increases efficiency in cities.
[5] The technology is particularly useful in areas with high demand and limited parking space.
[6] The test phase will allow people in control centers to take over cars in the middle of public traffic.
[7] The plan involves allowing cars to be driven without a driver in the future, though the specifics are not detailed in the provided information.
[8] The technology is already known from practical applications, such as in Las Vegas.
[9] The new rule is based on special technologies developed by certain companies.
[10] The introduction of self-driving cars is expected to revolutionize mobility in our country.
[11] The concept is mature enough to ensure safety in complex situations such as construction sites or unexpected obstacles.
- The introduction of remotely controlled vehicles in Germany's five-year test phase is a significant step towards a revolution in the automotive industry, propelled by advancements in technology and finance.
- As part of this mobility revolution, the focus during the test phase will be on car sharing, driverless taxis, and delivery vehicles, aiming to improve efficiency, save costs, and create more space in urban areas, particularly in high-demand zones with limited parking.
- The European Investment Bank's investment in German tech company Vay, which offers remote control technology in vehicles, emphasizes growing interest within the finance sector for this innovative transportation solution.
