Poland has officially established a national authority to oversee testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads. The Institute of Transport (ITS) will serve as the National Coordinator for Research Works, responsible for issuing permits and monitoring compliance.
As of June 24, 2026, following the amendment to the Road Traffic Act passed in November 2025, the new body began its operations. The director of the Institute of Transport acts as the coordinator under the supervision of the minister responsible for transport.
– The National Coordination of Research Works is the foundation for the safe development of autonomous mobility in Poland. With clear procedures and state supervision, we can conduct research responsibly while supporting innovations that will improve road safety and transport efficiency – said Prof. Marcin Ślęzak, director of ITS.
Permit system and international cooperation
The coordinator issues permits for testing vehicles with automation levels 3, 4, and 5, as defined by SAE International. The permit process includes a risk analysis compliant with ISO 26262, mandatory audio-video recorders in the vehicle, a declaration that the vehicle does not pose a safety threat, and an administrative fee.
Each permit covers a maximum of five voivodeships and is valid for up to three years. The coordinator maintains a public register and monitors compliance. – Our goal is to ensure a transparent and applicant-friendly process for obtaining research permits. We focus on high-quality service and administrative efficiency, fully respecting legal standards – added Aneta Gierszewska from the KKPB support team.
The new body also acts as the national contact point for foreign coordinators, enabling cross-border research projects under European regulations. – The new system allows for professionalisation of autonomous vehicle tests. It is not only an administrative role but a real tool for quality control, risk analysis, and international cooperation. Polish companies and universities can now conduct research at a level comparable to leading European centres – said Dr. Mikołaj Kruszewski from the KKPB support team.
Safety and economic benefits
According to ITS analyses, autonomous vehicles could significantly improve road safety. Human error plays a decisive role in about 90 percent of accidents, and intelligent systems could reduce the number of crashes by up to 30 percent, which in Poland means several thousand fewer accidents annually.
Autonomous mobility also offers opportunities for more efficient transport, reduced congestion, and better mobility for elderly and disabled people. Additionally, the creation of KKPB provides an economic boost amid a shortage of professional drivers, estimated at around 200,000 people in Poland.
Research projects under development
In parallel, Poland is advancing research projects such as DARTS PL, the Polish database of test scenarios and sensory data. Created by ITS and the Warsaw University of Technology on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the project aims to provide unique data from Polish road conditions needed to train artificial intelligence algorithms and develop automated driving systems.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Aliaksei Kaponia / Shutterstock
