Autonomous driving in public transportation is still in its infancy in Germany. Currently, it is being tested primarily in pilot projects and real-world testing environments. At the same time, with the amendment of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) and the entry into force of the Ordinance on the Approval and Operation of Motor Vehicles with Autonomous Driving Functions in Specified Operating Areas (AFGBV), the legislature has already established a complex legal framework that significantly shapes projects in this field.

We support transportation companies, public authorities, and project sponsors in the design and implementation of autonomous mobility services. This includes, in particular:

• obtaining the necessary permits under the StVG, AFGBV, and PBefG,
• reviewing municipal and regional requirements—such as those from local transit plans, public service contracts, and terms of carriage—for their feasibility in the deployment of driverless vehicles,
• identifying and assessing legal hurdles that may arise from additional statutory requirements, for example in the area of accessibility,
• providing advice on data protection issues as well as regulatory requirements for the use of artificial intelligence.