Russian government approves bill regulating self-driving cars, taxis, and trams, Kommersant reports

Russia’s government has approved a bill setting rules for highly automated vehicles, including self-driving cars, trucks, taxis and trams. It matters because it would establish operating requirements, accident liability and software safeguards for vehicles already being tested and used in the country.

The Transport Ministry has worked on the bill since 2021, and drafting took more than five years. It has not yet been submitted to the State Duma, though that is expected soon. Self-driving vehicles have operated in Russia since 2018, generally with a backup operator; Moscow’s first autonomous tram has run since September 2025, with the city aiming for 15 by the end of 2026 and 25 by 2027.