DGT gives green light to Level 4 robotaxis in Spain: Madrid will be the first to test how far they can go

12/09/2026 12:15

Updated to

12/09/2026 12:15

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The arrival of robotaxis in Spain has just overcome one of its major regulatory hurdles. The General Directorate of Traffic has authorized Uber, WeRide, and Avomo to begin the necessary preparatory work in Madrid to deploy a fleet of level 4 autonomous vehicles, a technology capable of fully taking over driving under predefined conditions.

The project will begin with 20 WeRide GXR units and will still be in a preparatory phase. These vehicles will be used to test routes, create maps, and verify the operation of the autonomous system in real traffic, with a specialist remaining on board during this initial stage. The companies aim to turn these tests into a commercial service by the end of 2026.

Madrid will be the first location for tests in Spain

The authorization was granted under the ES-AV framework of the DGT, designed to regulate tests of autonomous vehicles on roads open to traffic. This permit allows for the initiation of the technical tasks needed to prepare the operation, but it does not yet constitute a final approval for commercially transporting passengers without supervision.

The first units will operate in various areas of the Community of Madrid chosen due to their high transportation demand. During this phase, both the behavior of the vehicles in real situations and the adaptation of routes and operational infrastructure will be evaluated before expanding the service’s scope.

The daily management of the fleet will be handled by Avomo, a specialized division of Moove Cars, which will be responsible for the maintenance and preparation of the vehicles. The company already has experience in this area in the United States, where it operates around 400 units in cities such as Austin and Atlanta and has over 200 professionals dedicated to these services.

Spain joins Uber and WeRide’s international plan

Madrid will also be one of the markets included in the global alliance between Uber and WeRide. Both companies plan to expand their technology to 15 international markets and deploy tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles by 2030, with Uber providing the mobility platform and WeRide handling the autonomous driving system.

The Spanish permit is also significant for WeRide’s expansion in Europe, as it represents the first national approval obtained within the European Union for its GXR model. The company can use this phase to gather technical and operational data for future certifications, while continuing to prepare alongside Uber and Avomo for the commercial launch scheduled for late this year.