Story perspectives

China Proposes Autonomous-Vehicle Rules, Including Maker Liability

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

China’s legislature proposes adding an autonomous-vehicle chapter to the Road Traffic Safety Law.
The draft amendment was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Tuesday.
The amendment defines autonomous driving, driver-assistance functions, and manufacturer liability for traffic violations.
Manufacturers or importers could be held responsible when a vehicle operates in autonomous-driving mode.
Analyst Gao Shen says carmakers may sell autonomous cars, prompting dozens of new models.

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Story summary

China’s legislature proposes adding an autonomous-vehicle chapter to the Road Traffic Safety Law.
The draft amendment was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Tuesday.
The amendment defines autonomous driving, driver-assistance functions, and manufacturer liability for traffic violations.
Manufacturers or importers could be held responsible when a vehicle operates in autonomous-driving mode.
Analyst Gao Shen says carmakers may sell autonomous cars, prompting dozens of new models.