China introduces first mandatory safety standards for self-driving vehicles

China has unveiled its first mandatory national safety standards for autonomous vehicles, setting stricter requirements for the deployment of Level 3 and Level 4 self-driving technology.

The new regulations, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, will take effect on July 1, 2027, and require automakers to establish comprehensive safety systems covering vehicle design, manufacturing, testing and post-deployment operations.

Under the standards, companies must complete simulation testing, closed-course trials and real-world road testing before autonomous driving features can be introduced.

The rules also strengthen requirements for driver safety. Manufacturers of Level 3 vehicles must ensure systems can monitor whether drivers are ready to take control when necessary and clearly explain the vehicle's capabilities, operating limits and user responsibilities.

Officials said the standards are designed to support the safe commercial rollout of autonomous driving technology as China continues to expand the development of intelligent connected vehicles.