Poland has officially launched a comprehensive national oversight system for automated vehicle testing, with the Motor Transport Institute (ITS) assuming the role of National Research Coordinator (KKPB).
The KKPB, a governmental authority, is now responsible for supervising research activities and testing of automated vehicles on public roads. This framework establishes Poland’s first harmonized approach to overseeing research in automated and autonomous mobility.
The system is based on legislation adopted at the end of 2025, specifically an amendment to the Road Traffic Act of Nov. 21, 2025 (Journal of Laws of 2025, item 1843), which formally established the KKPB. The amendment entered into force on June 24.
The Director of the Motor Transport Institute performs the function of the Coordinator, operating under the supervision of the minister responsible for transport.
Prof. Marcin Ślęzak, Director of the Motor Transport Institute, emphasized the initiative’s importance for safe innovation.
“The National Coordination of Research Activities constitutes the foundation for the safe development of autonomous mobility in Poland,” Ślęzak said. “Thanks to clear procedures and public oversight, we are able to conduct research responsibly while supporting innovations that will genuinely improve transport safety and efficiency.”
Key Responsibilities of the Coordinator
The amendment to the Road Traffic Act standardizes and harmonizes the rules governing research activities involving vehicles equipped with SAE Levels 3, 4, and 5 automation technologies. These levels represent successive stages in the development of driverless mobility systems.
The National Research Coordinator is responsible for issuing permits for testing activities, maintaining a public register, monitoring compliance with legal requirements, and cooperating with foreign supervisory authorities for cross-border projects.
In practice, the KKPB verifies compliance of research activities with issued permits, appoints observers, evaluates safety and risk analyses, and reports any traffic incidents involving research vehicles to competent authorities without delay. This reporting includes audio and video recordings provided by the research operator.
The procedure for obtaining a permit is detailed in the legislation and implementing regulations. Requirements include the submission of a risk assessment compliant with ISO 26262, installation of audio and video recording equipment in the test vehicle, a declaration confirming that planned activities do not pose a threat to road safety, and payment of an administrative fee.
A single permit may cover testing activities in up to five voivodeships and remains valid for a maximum period of three years.
Aneta Gierszewska, a member of the team supporting the National Research Coordinator, highlighted the focus on process efficiency.
“Our objective is to ensure that the permit application process is as transparent and applicant-friendly as possible,” Gierszewska said. “We place particular emphasis on high-quality service and efficient administrative proceedings while fully respecting all legal requirements. The Administrative Procedure Code under which we operate clearly defines the timeline for processing applications.”
International Collaboration and Standards
The new authority also serves an international role, acting as Poland’s national contact point for foreign coordinators. This facilitates cross-border testing activities in accordance with European regulations.
This position enables Poland to participate in the exchange of information and coordinated supervision of research activities conducted simultaneously in more than one country.
Mikołaj Kruszewski, PhD Eng., also a member of the team supporting the National Research Coordinator, emphasized the system’s professionalizing effect.
“The new system enables the organisation and professionalisation of automated vehicle testing in Poland,” Kruszewski said. “This is not merely an administrative function; it is a practical instrument for quality assurance, risk analysis and international cooperation. As a result, Polish companies and universities are able to conduct research at a level comparable with the leading testing ecosystems in Europe.”
Broader Impact and Economic Opportunities
Entrusting the Motor Transport Institute with the role of National Research Coordinator forms part of Poland’s broader strategy for the development of autonomous mobility technologies.
Analyses by the Institute indicate that automated and autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly improve road safety. Human factors contribute to approximately 90% of road accidents, and intelligent vehicle systems could reduce incidents by as much as 30%. In Poland, this reduction would translate into several thousand fewer accidents annually.
Beyond safety, autonomous mobility offers opportunities to improve transport efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance accessibility for elderly people and persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, the establishment of the KKPB may provide a significant boost to the economy, particularly given the growing shortage of professional drivers, currently estimated at approximately 200,000 in Poland.
Poland is simultaneously developing complementary research initiatives, such as DARTS PL. This Polish database of testing scenarios and sensor data is jointly developed by the Motor Transport Institute and the Warsaw University of Technology on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The DARTS PL project aims to provide unique datasets reflecting Polish road conditions, which are essential for training artificial intelligence algorithms and supporting the development of automated driving systems.
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