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The turn of 2025 and 2026 marks a fundamental shift in the European approach to autonomous technologies. With the finalization of the “Automotive Package 2025,” the European Union is moving from restricted testing phases toward full-scale commercialization of Level 3 and Level 4 vehicles. Central to this transition is the “Automotive Omnibus” initiative, designed to remove the bureaucratic hurdles that previously hindered mass production.

The most significant systemic change involves the amendment of Regulation (EU) 2018/858. Until now, manufacturers of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) were constrained by production caps, allowing for the type-approval of only 1,500 units per model annually under “small series” rules. The new regulations abolish these ceilings, introducing “unlimited series” type-approval for the first time. This allows autonomous vehicles to be introduced into mass-market sales across the entire European Economic Area.

New Safety Standards and Operational Speeds

The reform closely integrates EU law with the latest global standards developed by the UN (UNECE). The implementation of regulations such as R157 and R171 means that Lane Keeping Systems and conditionally autonomous driving systems (L3) can now legally operate on motorways at speeds of up to 130 km/h. This is a substantial leap from previous, more restrictive speed limits, making Level 3 technology far more practical for the average user.

In parallel, the safety verification model has evolved. The EU has adopted a hybrid validation approach: while traditional road tests remain part of the process, virtual validation has become a cornerstone of certification. Manufacturers must now prove the reliability of their algorithms across thousands of simulated “edge cases”—critical scenarios that would be impossible or unsafe to test in real-world traffic.

Data Management and “Over-the-Air” Updates

From an operational perspective, the rules regarding software management are crucial. The Automotive Omnibus clarifies requirements stemming from the EU Data Act, mandating that manufacturers share technical operational data with independent third parties, such as insurers and repair services.

Furthermore, the procedures for “Over-the-Air” (OTA) software updates have been streamlined. New autonomous features can now be activated without the need for a full re-certification of the entire vehicle, provided the updates remain within the boundaries of the previously approved functional safety and cybersecurity architecture (in compliance with the R155 regulation).

For Polish research institutions and regulatory bodies, this new EU framework signals a rapid increase in the number of automated vehicles on national roads. The transition to mass type-approval will necessitate an evolution in diagnostic systems and technical inspection methods. These will increasingly rely on verifying digital integrity and ADS performance rather than solely focusing on mechanical components.