Autonomous vehicles in France

French officials have outlined plans to integrate autonomous vehicles into daily life, with new rules and projects set to launch in the coming years. The government aims to accelerate the deployment of self-driving cars, shuttles, and delivery vehicles through a series of initiatives announced after an industry summit in October 2026.

France's progress on autonomous vehicles

France has been testing autonomous vehicles since 2018, with over 200 experiments conducted nationwide. However, few of these tests have led to commercial services. The government now seeks to move beyond experiments, with a clear goal of launching pilot projects by 2028 and expanding them in the following years.

Pilot projects in Île-de-France

One of the most advanced projects involves Île-de-France, where a pilot autonomous transport service is expected to launch in early 2028. This service will operate in areas such as Versailles Grand Parc and Paris-Saclay, starting as a limited trial before gradually expanding from 2030.

Private sector involvement in autonomous mobility

Companies like Bolt and Stellantis are collaborating with local authorities in the Greater Paris area to develop autonomous mobility services. These projects aim to provide transportation solutions in residential areas, connecting neighborhoods with train and metro stations, and could eventually extend to neighboring communes by 2030.

Regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles

To support the deployment of autonomous vehicles, France plans to introduce a new regulatory framework in early 2027. This framework, developed by the National Vehicle Reception Center, will help manufacturers understand the requirements for vehicle circulation and ensure ongoing safety monitoring.

Focus on public transportation and rural areas

The government prioritizes collective uses of autonomous vehicles, aiming to complement existing transport networks in rural and peri-urban areas. A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of French citizens are willing to use fully automated public transport, indicating public support for the initiative.

Autonomous vehicles for goods delivery

France has already authorized autonomous delivery vehicles and robots to operate on its roads since August 2026. The government now seeks to explore the possibility of allowing small autonomous robots to circulate on sidewalks, though this remains under review due to concerns about pedestrian safety and accessibility.

Industrial and technological collaboration

French and European companies are working together to develop autonomous vehicle technology. Stellantis, Wayve, and NVIDIA have formed a partnership to combine their expertise in vehicle platforms, artificial intelligence, and computing technologies to advance autonomous driving in Europe.

Data protection and European partnerships

The French government emphasizes data protection and digital sovereignty, aiming to keep European users' data on the continent. It also seeks to strengthen European industrial partnerships, with funding available through the France 2030 program to support these efforts.

Challenges ahead for autonomous mobility

Despite these ambitious plans, significant challenges remain in transitioning from technological demonstrations to fully operational autonomous services. The success of the 2028 timeline will depend on overcoming regulatory and technical hurdles, marking a potential turning point for autonomous mobility in France.