China Cracks Down on Autonomous Driving Regulations Amid Safety Concerns

Chinese police plan to tighten regulations on intelligent driving, as current systems have not achieved true autonomous driving. The driver remains responsible for operating the vehicle, and taking hands off the wheel or eyes off the road can lead to safety risks, civil liability, and administrative penalties.

Beijing, July 2, 2025 — China's public security ministry has announced plans to tighten regulations on intelligent driving systems, aiming to address current safety concerns and ensure compliance with autonomous driving standards. The move comes as the country seeks to balance innovation with safety, particularly in the wake of recent incidents involving semi-autonomous vehicles.

According to a press conference held by the ministry, authorities will collaborate with the industry ministry and other governing bodies to enforce stricter regulations. This includes mandating driving assistance tests and verification for automakers, as well as defining the boundaries of assisted driving systems and their security responses [1].

The decision follows a series of safety incidents involving semi-autonomous vehicles, where drivers were found to have relied too heavily on the technology, leading to accidents. The ministry emphasizes that while these systems can assist in driving, the driver remains responsible for operating the vehicle. Taking hands off the wheel or eyes off the road can result in safety risks, civil liability, and administrative penalties [1].

In parallel, the Chinese market for automotive lighting technology is witnessing significant advancements. FORVIA HELLA, an international automotive supplier, has developed an intelligent headlamp for NIO's new brand, ONVO L90. This digitalized, intelligent headlamp offers enhanced performance, design, and personalized functionality, and is designed to be lightweight and cost-efficient [2].

The new headlamp features over 100 independently controllable LEDs, supporting sophisticated dynamic lighting animations and user-defined patterns. It also includes an adaptive high-beam module that adjusts light distribution based on road conditions, significantly enhancing nighttime driving safety. FORVIA HELLA's collaboration with ONVO marks a significant step in the evolution of automotive lighting technology, transforming it from a functional component to an immersive interactive terminal [2].

Meanwhile, Chinese autonomous vehicle firms are expanding globally through partnerships with ride-hailing platforms like Uber. Baidu, WeRide, Pony.ai, and Momenta are among the companies leveraging these partnerships to deploy their robotaxis in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe [3]. These collaborations aim to overcome domestic commercial hurdles and capitalize on international market opportunities.

The tightening of regulations on intelligent driving systems underscores China's commitment to ensuring the safe deployment of autonomous technologies. As the industry evolves, these measures are crucial for maintaining public trust and mitigating risks associated with semi-autonomous vehicles [1].

References:
[1] Reuters. (2025, July 23). China's public security ministry says it will join regulatory tightening over 2025-07-23. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-public-security-ministry-says-it-will-join-regulatory-tightening-over-2025-07-23/
[2] Ledinside. (2025, July 22). FORVIA HELLA Develops Intelligent Headlamp for NIO’s New Brand ONVO L90. Retrieved from https://www.ledinside.com/news/2025/7/2025_07_22_12
[3] Caixin Global. (2025, July 18). China's autonomous driving firms step up global push with Uber deals. Retrieved from https://www.caixinglobal.com/2025-07-18/chinas-autonomous-driving-firms-step-up-global-push-with-uber-deals-102342687.html