Following a fatal car crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 sedan in autonomous driving conditions, Chinese regulators have announced a wave of regulatory oversight measures to govern intelligent driving features and assisted driving features. The move reflects a balance between innovation with consumer protection and responsible adoption of Intelligent Connected Vehicles in the growing energy vehicle market.
What Sparked the Regulatory Overhaul
In March, a fatal car crash claimed three lives after human intervention occurred seconds before the collision. The driver had been relying on partial driving automation supported by automatic emergency braking and other driverless features. The tragedy raised concerns over road safety, exposed potential risk factor gaps in automation capabilities, and highlighted risks to drivers from drivers over automation reliance and automation misuse.
Key Regulatory Measures Introduced
1. Restrictions on Advertising and Messaging
Authorities are banning terms such as “autonomous driving” and “intelligent driving” from promotional materials. This is part of a stricter messaging and stricter policies approach, ensuring marketing strategies for intelligent driving technologies remain accurate. Misleading terms about autonomous driving functions or higher-level automation technologies will no longer appear in advertising.
2. Control Over Over-the-Air Software Upgrades
Automakers must get approval before rolling out Over-the-Air Software Upgradesn that affect driving performance. This measure targets premature release, earlier launches, and premature deployment of features without rigorous safety checks or compliance measures. The rules require regulatory consistency, compliance requirements, and clear exit policies if updates fail to meet national safety standards.
3. Ending Public Beta Testing
Testing autonomous systems and automatic driving features among the general public is prohibited unless authorized. Competitors subject to the rules must create strategies in response to regulatory push while ensuring key focus remains on safety.
4. Driver Monitoring and Liability
Regulations mandate that smart cockpits integrate driver monitoring systems to ensure accountability for drivers. The aim is to detect automation misuse and prompt human intervention before accidents. The taxonomy of vehicle automation will define compliance standards for driver-assistance standards, reverse assistance, valet parking, and smart summon features.
5. Advancement Toward Level 3 Deployment
China’s goal is to achieve a regulated Level 2 to Level 3 transition by 2026. Under new autonomous driving regulations, intelligent driving regulations, and regulatory oversight, the Road Traffic Safety Research Center will work alongside China Automotive News and the Intelligent Connected Vehicles industry to finalize compliance measures for autonomous driving functions and automation capabilities.
The Technical Dimension
China’s tightening rules will impact a broad range of systems, from electric motor control systems and wireless delivery modules to mobile devices used for remote diagnostics and remote control operations. Quick revisions to software, month-long gap testing cycles, and integration of key notes from engineers will form the backbone of these compliance standards.
Industry Reactions
The intelligent driving market and energy vehicle market are assessing strategies in response. While some automakers see this as a regulatory push that could slow advancements in automation growth, others view it as a necessary step for responsible adoption.
Road Safety and the Future
By establishing stricter policies and compliance requirements, the government aims to minimize risks to drivers and potential risk factor scenarios. Innovation with consumer protection is at the heart of these intelligent driving regulations, ensuring that exit policies are in place for failed deployments and that key focus remains on concerns over road safety.
Closing Analysis
China’s approach aligns with global trends in autonomous driving regulations, where regulatory consistency and compliance standards guide the safe rollout of higher-level automation technologies. From reverse assistance to valet parking, smart summon, and automatic emergency braking, these measures form a safety net that protects both drivers and pedestrians from the risks to drivers linked to over-reliance on technology.
About Ted Law Firm
Ted Law Firm, provides insight into complex legal matters involving technology, autonomous systems, and automation capabilities. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. We monitor updates from organizations such as the Road Traffic Safety Research Center and China Automotive News, keeping our clients informed about intelligent driving regulations and compliance measures that may affect them. Contact us today for a free consultation.
