Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Circular on the Work Associated with the Launching of a Pilot Project for the Access and On-Road Driving of Intelligent Connected Vehicles (Draft for Comments)

Issued: November 2, 2022

Main contents: An entity involved in the pilot project is required to purchase insurance for, and apply for registration of, the pilot vehicle in accordance with provisions. The pilot project requires the qualified onboard safety person to be in the driver's seat of the vehicle to monitor the operation of the vehicle and the surrounding environment, and ensure that the pilot vehicle's autonomous driving function is activated only within the restricted range. While a pilot vehicle is on the road, the vehicle operation data and information are to be truthfully recorded and information relating to the vehicle's operation is to be provided as required by the relevant departments.

Where a pilot vehicle is involved in a road traffic safety violation or traffic accident, the traffic administration department of the public security authority of the pilot city is required to investigate and handle the matter in accordance with current laws and regulations. Where liability lies with the pilot vehicle and the autonomous driving system was inactive, the liability is borne by the onboard safety person; where the autonomous driving system was activated, liability is borne by the entity involved in the pilot project, unless there is evidence showing that the onboard safety person was at fault leading to the violation or accident. Where a relevant entity, such as the pilot vehicle producer, the pilot autonomous driving system developer or the pilot equipment supplier is at fault for the occurrence of a traffic accident, the party that bore liability may seek recourse against the same in accordance with the law (Section 3.2.2).