China Sets Safety Rules for Automated Vehicles

China has introduced mandatory safety requirements for vehicles equipped with conditionally or highly automated driving systems.

Under the new rules, which will take effect on 1 July 2027, an automated driving system must achieve a level of safety at least equivalent to that of a qualified and attentive human driver. It must also not pose unreasonable risks to vehicle occupants or other road users.

The standards apply to Level 3 and Level 4 automated vehicles. Level 3 systems require a human driver to remain available to take control when prompted, while Level 4 systems can perform all driving tasks without human intervention under specified conditions or in designated areas.

Automated parking systems are excluded from the new requirements.

(Reuters, mja)