China's New Rules: Autonomous Cars Must Be Able to Pull Over Themselves When Drivers Don't Respond

JAKARTA - The Chinese government through the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has completed the first draft of a mandatory safety standard for high-level autonomous driving systems. Later, this rule will be implemented starting July 1, 2027.

This rule is proposed in a document entitled "Smart Connected Vehicles - Safety Requirements for Autonomous Driving Systems". The MIIT has also opened public input since February 12, 2026.

In the draft, the safety threshold for Level 3 (L3) autonomous systems is significantly raised. Based on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classification, L3 systems are capable of performing all driving tasks under certain conditions, but still require drivers to be ready to take control when asked.

Launching Carnewschina, Thursday, February 26, one of the key points introduced is the obligation for the L3 system to perform minimal risk maneuvers independently if the driver does not respond to the takeover request.

These capabilities include switching lanes and parking vehicles safely in locations that do not obstruct traffic flow, while minimizing risks for passengers and other road users. A vehicle safety expert quoted by Caixin assessed that the new provisions effectively encourage L3 capabilities to approach Level 4.

This rule is considered to answer the industry's crucial issues related to scenarios when drivers are unable to take control. The draft standard also requires the installation of an Autonomous Driving Data Recording System (DSSAD), which functions similar to the "black box" on an aircraft.

The device must comply with China's mandatory national standards on the recording of data of connected smart vehicles that came into force in January 2026, and is designed to record important operational data to reconstruct post-crash events.

If it has been finalized, this new regulation will replace the national standard, which is a recommendation, namely "General Technical Requirements for Autonomous Driving Systems of Connected Smart Vehicles" which has been implemented since September 2024.

Unlike the voluntary standard, this mandatory rule must be obeyed; products that do not meet the provisions will be prohibited from being produced, sold, or imported into China. The government also prepared a 13-month transition period for vehicle models that have obtained approval before the implementation date.

The explanatory document accompanying the draft regulation also mentions a number of autonomous vehicle accidents in various countries as reasons for tightening regulations. Incidents highlighted include cases involving Waymo, Uber, Cruise, and Toyota.

In the country, China also recorded an incident in December 2025 when a Hello Robotaxi hit a pedestrian in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, which was reported to have failed to recognize someone who fell on a slippery road.