Legal Regulation of Automated and Fully Autonomous Vehicles in the Republic of Croatia

Abstract

This paper analyses the legal regulation of automated and fully autonomous vehicles in the Republic of Croatia, with a particular focus on the standardization of information and communication technologies. Given the growing development of autonomous systems in transportation, it is essential to align existing legislation with technological advancements to enable their safe and efficient integration. The paper examines key regulatory challenges, including liability for accidents, safety standards, and the ethical aspects of autonomous vehicle decision-making. Additionally, it explores the role of V2X communication and the necessity of international norms to ensure interoperability and legal certainty. The research methodology includes an analysis of legal sources, a synthesis of existing normative frameworks, and the application of deductive and descriptive methods. The findings indicate the need to update Croatian legislation in accordance with European regulations to establish a legally and technically sustainable framework for the introduction of autonomous vehicles. The conclusion provides proposals for legal and regulatory guidelines that would facilitate the safe and effective deployment of these technologies in Croatia.