Spain’s DGT Introduces New Visual Badge for Autonomous Test Vehicles
Spain's General Directorate of Traffic has introduced a new red visual badge for autonomous vehicles to improve road safety and transparency during real-world technology trials.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has introduced a new visual badge for cars using automated driving systems on public roads. The agency clarified that this label is not related to emissions or vehicle inspections; instead, it is designed to improve transparency and road safety as part of the Evaluation of Safety and Technology of Automated Vehicles (ES-AV) program.
By introducing this badge, Spanish authorities aim to align national regulations with European smart mobility trends. The goal is to help other drivers easily identify vehicles participating in technology trials. This should reduce confusion and help the public become more familiar with vehicles that do not require human intervention.
The badge features a bright red color and an automation icon. It also includes a QR code that provides details about the ongoing test. Under current rules, the sticker must be placed in the lower-left corner of the windshield—the same spot used for environmental labels, though its purpose is entirely different.
This move is a key step for innovation in Spain. It ensures that testing sensors and algorithms in real-world traffic follows a standardized safety protocol. By making these experimental vehicles clearly recognizable, the DGT hopes to protect the trials while gradually integrating autonomous cars into everyday traffic.