China: a law on self-driving cars is on the way
In that Asian country, specific legislation governing the use of cars fitted with advanced systems could be introduced shortly. Although the forthcoming law may hold manufacturers liable for any breaches, it is thought that car manufacturers will be given the green light to market models equipped with such systems on local roads.
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s highest legislative body, is set to examine an amended version of the new Road Safety Law in the coming days. It is understood that, for the first time, the document is also expected to include a specific chapter on the regulation of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems. Indeed, among the expected outcomes, the Standing Committee could even hold car manufacturers legally liable for traffic offences committed by vehicles fitted with autonomous driving systems, marking an important step towards overcoming the regulatory hurdles that are holding back widespread commercialisation.
Liability for breaches even when systems are deactivated
Also as part of the new regulations under discussion, the definitions of autonomous vehicles and driver-assistance functions will be clarified; these will be included in the amendments to the Road Safety Act. At present, however, it is not clear when the final decision will be made. It is assumed, however, that autonomous driving systems deactivated whilst travelling would remain subject to existing rules and laws, whilst many Chinese analysts have noted that car manufacturers could be held liable for accidents and traffic offences even if these systems were activated on a vehicle classified as having advanced driver-assistance capabilities.
Green light for the production of self-driving cars in China
Given that, with the approval of the new law, Chinese car manufacturers will likely be required to take responsibility for the operation of self-driving cars on public roads, local manufacturers will, at the very least, be authorised to produce and sell such models, many of which are already ready for official launch with the aim of winning over new consumers. In other words, once the green light is given and the amended law is enacted, dozens and dozens of new self-driving models will hit the roads. A decision that may be risky for manufacturers, but one that, in true Chinese style, simplifies the way a problem is solved. I wonder if it would work here too?
