Civil Liability of Manufacturers in Accidents Involving Autonomous Vehicles with Emphasis on the 2024 EU Artificial Intelligence Act: A Comparative Study of Iran and Germany

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

2 Master of Private Law, Faculty of Humanities, Sabzevar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sabzevar, Iran.

Abstract

Technological advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (particularly in the automotive industry and the development of autonomous vehicles) have fundamentally challenged the traditional structure of civil liability. This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of the civil liability of autonomous vehicle manufacturers in the legal systems of Iran and Germany, with a special focus on the 2024 EU Artificial Intelligence Act. The primary emphasis is placed on the role of manufacturers in cases of defects in intelligent systems, as well as the emerging legal requirements such as the reversal of the burden of proof and the imposition of strict liability.
This research adopts a descriptive-analytical and comparative method, drawing upon library resources, statutory laws, regulations, and judicial decisions to examine the legal frameworks of Iran and Germany. In the comparative section, specific attention is given to the provisions of the EU AI Act, the Directive on Civil Liability, and judicial practices (such as the Tesla case in German courts) as practical examples.
The findings indicate that, under German law and in light of the AI Act and recent legislative developments in the EU, the approach to manufacturer liability has shifted toward strict liability. Courts tend to presume defects in intelligent systems and shift the burden of proof to the manufacturer. In contrast, despite the existence of jurisprudential and legal capacities in Iranian law, the absence of specific legislation has preserved the dominance of traditional fault-based rules.
In conclusion, adapting civil liability frameworks for manufacturers in response to autonomous technologies requires a fundamental revision of legal doctrines, amendment of existing laws, and the enactment of dedicated regulations in Iran. Such legal transformation (drawing on the EU’s liability-oriented model) can enhance victim protection and facilitate proactive regulation of emerging technologies.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 July 2025

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