China toughens requirements for autopilot systems

China is preparing a major overhaul of regulatory requirements for autopilot systems and advanced driver assistance technologies. The upcoming changes will significantly tighten rules for testing, validation, and certification of automated driving systems — from partially automated functions to full self-driving solutions.

In the near future, the PRC plans to introduce strict and legally binding standards that will require automakers and automotive software developers to comply with enhanced safety benchmarks, greater algorithm transparency, and the possibility of regulated external control. These measures are aimed at reducing risks associated with the rapid deployment of automated driving technologies.

Special attention will be given to the use of autopilot systems on public roads. Among the key requirements is mandatory testing in a wide range of real-world conditions, including extreme weather, complex traffic scenarios, and challenging road environments.

In addition, the new regulations will introduce compulsory data sharing: results of autopilot trials and system performance data must be transferred to government regulatory authorities for monitoring and analysis. This marks a shift away from the previous model, where participation in such testing frameworks was largely voluntary for manufacturers.

A separate section of the new rules will define manufacturers’ responsibility in cases of system failure while using autopilot features. This includes obligations related to technical support, software updates, and post-sale system maintenance throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.

The development of these standards represents an important step in China’s broader strategy to accelerate automated driving technologies. It is part of a wider push toward software-defined vehicles, the expansion of the digital economy, and the strengthening of domestic technology companies’ positions in the global automotive market.