The new DGT label that will allow cars that cannot currently circulate in Spain

The environmental labels introduced several years ago in Spain by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) have already become a common sight on the streets of large cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Almost all drivers are familiar with the B, C, Eco, and Zero labels, although from now on they'll have to be more vigilant: the agency has announced the introduction of a new sticker.

However, unlike the usual road signs , this unusual badge has nothing to do with vehicle emissions, but rather with a very peculiar type of vehicle that has been gaining prominence in the automotive sector in recent years: self-driving cars. Until now, there was hardly any regulation on this subject in Spain, but the DGT (Directorate of Traffic) has launched a new program to close this legal loophole.

The DGT sticker for autonomous cars

The DGT has launched the Framework Program for the Evaluation of the Safety and Technology of Automated Vehicles (ES-AV Program), whose objective is the "safe integration of vehicles with automated driving systems, promoting technological innovation and improving mobility," according to its website. This new regulation aims to authorize and supervise testing of these types of vehicles in Spain.

To be able to test these vehicles, the DGT offers three access options: an external evaluation system, a European Economic Area (EEA) recognition and authorization system, and a special one. Furthermore, autonomous cars will have to pass three testing phases: one controlled, one more extensive, and a "pre-deployment" phase. With this, the agency hopes that the final arrival of these vehicles on national roads will be as safe and efficient as possible.

To distinguish these vehicles when traveling on the road network, the DGT will require a distinctive label to be placed on the front windshield, similar to an environmental sticker. However, it will be slightly more striking than regular decals, as it has a red hue and contains a wealth of relevant information.

The sticker will show a car with two passengers sitting facing each other, as well as a Wi-Fi network symbol, although it will also provide much more information about the vehicle: it will include a QR code, the license plate number, and the authorization field. Although autonomous cars are virtually unavailable in Spain, their popularity could increase significantly in the coming years.