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China’s new autonomous driving standards cloud Tesla FSD approval prospects
The rules, set to start July 1, 2027, include accident accountability for carmakers when systems are active and a 10 second driver takeover window.
Analysts say Tesla’s path to getting Beijing approval for higher-level autonomous driving remains difficult as China rolls out mandatory rules for self-driving features. SCMP Economy reports that Tesla has recently hired people in China to test its Full Self-Driving system, but major regulatory obstacles persist.
China outlined its first mandatory standards for autonomous driving systems earlier this month, covering vehicles with level 3 and level 4 capabilities. The requirements are set to come into effect on July 1, 2027, and include making carmakers accountable for accidents that occur when the system is active, as well as requiring at least a 10 second buffer for drivers to take control before a potential accident.
SCMP Economy also notes that the standards are expected to tighten data-related conditions compared with global guidance, and attributes this to the view that approval will hinge on regulations around data. One independent analyst cited by the outlet said the regulatory framework for data is the key foundation for approval.
The story further explains the levels of autonomy, describing level 3 as conditionally automated driving with “hands off” ability and level 4 as technology designed for “minds off” operation, referencing standards published by SAE International.