Revolution in road traffic: Remote-controlled cars will be driving from 2025!

Revolution in road traffic: Remote-controlled cars will be driving from 2025!

The future of driving is taking shape - from December 2025. From this point onwards, remote-controlled cars will be allowed to be on the roads in Germany. This groundbreaking regulation is made possible by the Road Traffic Remote Control Ordinance (StVFernLV) of the Federal Ministry of Transport, which will be published in July 2025 and come into force on December 1, 2025. The German transport authorities are thus setting a new framework for innovative mobility solutions that could be used primarily in urban areas and for special transport needs.

The basic idea behind the StVFernLV is to control vehicles from special control centers with the help of so-called “teleoperators” without anyone sitting in the vehicle. Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport, emphasizes that this new regulation not only represents modern traffic design, but also creates a clear legal basis for the operation of remote-controlled motor vehicles on public roads. According to Merkur, this is a step towards future mobility concepts.

Safety regulations and vehicle technology

But what about security? The new regulations include strict safety requirements: The maximum permitted speed is 80 km/h on motorways and 70 km/h on public roads. If there are connection problems, the speed must be reduced automatically, and if the connection is lost, the vehicle must find a safe stop on its own. In addition, the control centers must be equipped with various security systems and the staff must be trained accordingly.

An important point is that the remotely controlled vehicles must be able to achieve a so-called “minimum risk state”. In complicated traffic situations, teleoperators can take control of autonomous vehicles, providing additional safety. This technology could be beneficial not only in car sharing, where vehicles can drive independently to new customers after they have been used, but also in taxi services that operate without a driver.

Diverse applications and pilot projects

The options are diverse and have already been tested in the test phase. Projects are being worked on that could improve local public transport and close gaps in services in rural areas. According to auto motor und sport, there are already pilot projects in various German cities, such as Hamburg, where the car sharing model with teleoperation is being tested.

The technology is also in use in Bonn, where an electric shuttle is being tested with Deutsche Telekom and MIRA. Companies use teleoperation for trucks in logistics centers. This means that the StVFernLV will not only be a pioneer for new technologies, but will also position Germany as a pioneer internationally when it comes to the development of autonomous means of transport.

A look into the future

The introduction of the StVFernLV begins a five-year testing period until November 30, 2030, which creates numerous opportunities for innovation while at the same time maintaining traffic safety. The German authorities are focusing on mastering the challenges of modern mobility while ensuring responsible use of new technology. These developments not only offer technological advances, but also the opportunity to significantly reduce traffic in cities.

Germany can look forward to being part of an important stage in the evolution of local road transport. The combination of smart technology and new mobility concepts promises exciting changes - and we can't wait to see what the reality will look like from December 2025. Further information can be found in the [Press Release from the Federal Ministry of Transport](https://www.bmv.de/SharedDocs/DE/Press Releases/2025/038-hirte-fernlenkverfassung.html).