China is proposing new legal rules that would require automakers or vehicle importers to handle traffic violations committed when fully autonomous driving functions are activated, as the country moves to establish a regulatory framework for higher levels of vehicle automation.
The proposed changes are included in a draft revision of China’s Road Traffic Safety Law submitted for initial review by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Tuesday, according to a report from China Central Television (CCTV).
Dedicated Rules for Autonomous Vehicles
The draft contains nine chapters and 170 articles, including a new chapter titled “Special Provisions for Autonomous Vehicles.”
The chapter covers the operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads, the handling of traffic violations and insurance arrangements.
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Under the proposed framework, manufacturers or importers would be responsible for handling road traffic safety violations committed while a vehicle’s fully autonomous driving functions are activated.
The provision does not automatically transfer liability for compensation in all traffic accidents to automakers. Instead, it specifically addresses responsibility for handling traffic violations under fully autonomous operation.
Vehicles with their autonomous driving functions switched off, as well as vehicles equipped only with assisted-driving systems, would continue to be treated as non-autonomous vehicles under the proposed rules.
Distinguishing Autonomous Driving From Driver Assistance
The distinction between fully autonomous driving and assisted driving will be important under the proposed legislation.
Current driver-assistance systems would not generally fall under the provision requiring manufacturers or importers to handle traffic violations. Drivers using those systems would continue to be subject to rules applicable to conventional vehicles.
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The draft summary currently available does not specify how authorities would determine whether an autonomous driving function was active at the time of an alleged violation. It also does not detail how vehicle operating data would be accessed or what evidence would be used when responsibility is disputed.
New Rules Support L3 and L4 Deployment
The proposed law follows China’s introduction of mandatory technical requirements for higher levels of autonomous driving.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced on August 4 that its Safety Requirements for Autonomous Driving Systems of Intelligent Connected Vehicles will take effect on July 1, 2027.
The standard requires autonomous driving systems to provide a level of safety at least equivalent to that of a qualified and attentive driver. L3 systems must additionally monitor whether the driver is capable of taking control when required.
China granted its first L3 market-access approvals for conventional passenger vehicles in December 2025. The approved models came from Deepal, a brand of Changan Automobile, and Arcfox, a brand of BAIC Group.
Most Existing Driver Assistance Systems Unaffected
The proposed traffic-violation provision is expected to primarily apply to higher-level autonomous vehicles authorized to operate on public roads rather than the majority of vehicles currently using intelligent driving functions.
MIIT said last month that the penetration rate of L2 combined driver-assistance features in Chinese passenger vehicles had reached 70.5% this year. Navigation on autopilot (NOA) had reached 34.2%.
These systems remain within the existing driver-assistance framework, meaning drivers continue to bear responsibility when using them.
Draft Remains Under Review
The proposed Road Traffic Safety Law revision also includes tighter restrictions on activities such as using handheld phones and watching videos while driving. It would further restrict unauthorized non-traffic activities that occupy public roads.
The legislation is currently undergoing its initial review, and its provisions may be revised during subsequent deliberations. The proposed changes have not yet taken effect.