China introduces new regulations for autonomous driving
The new national safety standard for Level 3 and Level 4 automated driving will replace the previous guidelines in 2024. While the earlier guidelines were voluntary for car manufacturers and robotaxi operators, the updated regulations will introduce mandatory and stringent safety requirements from 1 July 2027. However, the regulations are currently in draft form, and affected companies may submit feedback until April.
The new safety standard is underpinned by a central, and seemingly self-evident, principle: a vehicle operating at Level 3 or Level 4 must at least match the safety level of a qualified and attentive human driver and must not pose unacceptable risks to users or other road users.
A key focus of the new regulations is raising safety requirements for vehicles operating at Level 3, such as certain sedan models from Mercedes-Benz with Drive Pilot or BMW with Personal Pilot 3 (although both companies have currently put these services on hold). At Level 3, the motto is “hands-off, eyes-off”: the vehicle takes control in defined situations, but the driver must be able to retake control within seconds.
China plans to introduce strict monitoring of the driver’s “takeover capability.” The system must use sensors and biometric data to ensure the driver is neither asleep nor has left the vehicle. Before a user is permitted to activate the system for the first time, the manufacturer must demonstrate that appropriate training or instruction has been provided.
Level 3 vehicles must be capable of emergency manoeuvres
If the driver fails to respond within the specified timeframe or is physically unable to take control (e.g., due to unconsciousness), the system must automatically initiate a Minimal Risk Manoeuvre (MRM). This includes the ability to change lanes and park the vehicle safely in a location that does not obstruct traffic, while minimising risks to passengers and other road users. During the MRM, the vehicle must alert other road users to the critical situation using its hazard warning lights. Additionally, the system must continue to warn the driver acoustically, visually, or haptically until a safe state is achieved.
Incidentally, monitoring “takeover capability” and MRM are already common in Europe for vehicles with lower-level driver assistance systems at Level 2. These are typically referred to as Emergency Assist and are featured in newer models from the Volkswagen Group, as well as from Mercedes, BMW, and Ford. Thus, the new regulations in China are less about introducing technical innovations and more about making these requirements legally binding.
For Level 4, the regulations explicitly state that these vehicles must operate without the need for human intervention. However, remote assistance (e.g., from a robotaxi service control centre) is permitted. Furthermore, Level 4 vehicles must yield to police, fire brigade, and other emergency services, and communication between the vehicle and police must be possible.
Black box for accident investigation to become mandatory
To clarify liability in the event of accidents, China’s new regulations will also mandate a Data Storage System for Automated Driving (DSSAD) for Level 3 and Level 4 vehicles. Similar to an aircraft black box, this system records all relevant data before and during an incident. Such data is essential for regulatory oversight by state authorities.
In December 2025, China issued its first approvals for Level 3 automated driving to two manufacturers: the Deepal SL03 from the Changan Group and the Arcfox Alpha S from the BAIC Group. Both companies are now permitted to conduct test drives in designated areas of Beijing and Chongqing. In contrast, Level 4 robotaxis are already far more widespread in the country and are a common sight in metropolises such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Wuhan. The most well-known providers include Baidu’s Apollo Go, Pony.ai, and WeRide.
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