China Moves to Hold Carmakers Liable for Autonomous-Driving Violations

On August 25, China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress began its initial review of a draft amendment that would add a dedicated chapter on autonomous vehicles to the existing Road Traffic Safety Law. The amendment, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency, defines “autonomous driving” and “driver-assistance functions” and clarifies liability. Under the proposal, manufacturers or importers could be held responsible for traffic violations that occur while a vehicle operates in autonomous-driving mode, while manually driven or partially assisted vehicles would continue to be governed by the current traffic rules.

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This marks the first time China’s top legislature has included a specific chapter for autonomous and advanced-driving systems in its traffic code. Previously, liability for self-driving cars fell into a regulatory gray area, creating uncertainty for manufacturers seeking to commercialise fully automated models. The draft amendment is part of a broader effort to clear regulatory hurdles and accelerate the rollout of autonomous technology on Chinese roads.

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Xinhua indicated that the definitions of autonomous vehicles and driver-assistance functions would be clarified in the amendment, though it did not specify when a final verdict would be issued.

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By assigning liability to manufacturers when autonomous mode is engaged, the amendment aims to create a clearer legal framework that may encourage investment in fully self-driving vehicles. Carmakers could gain regulatory certainty, potentially accelerating the introduction of autonomous models to Chinese consumers. At the same time, the shift places greater risk on manufacturers, who must ensure that their autonomous systems comply with traffic regulations to avoid legal exposure.

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• “As they are required to shoulder the responsibilities for the cars’ operations on the roads, automotive companies will also be allowed to build and sell cars of this kind to attract consumers,” — Gao Shen, an independent analyst in Shanghai

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