Driverless delivery vans might soon be spotted in France after the transport ministry published an official order (arrêté) paving the way for their use on public roads.

With this “regulatory breakthrough”, France has become one of the first countries in the world to implement a framework allowing their use, according to an announcement published on the government website this summer.

“This decision reflects our ambition to accelerate the roll-out of autonomous vehicles in France,” said Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot.

“By paving the way for the official approval of autonomous delivery robots, our country is confirming its position among the most advanced in this field.”