First guide for self-driving vehicles on roads released

BEIJING: China’s first guideline on road tests of autonomous motor vehicles was released by local authorities in Beijing, signalling the country’s determination to accelerate the development of the technology.

The guideline, compiled by the city’s transport commission, public security bureau and economy and information technology commission, applies to independent entities registered in China.

They can apply to test at most five vehicles at a time, but before conducting road tests they must first complete tests in designated closed zones, according to the guideline.

It also requires a human driver to sit in the driver’s seat to be able to immediately take over the car in case of emergencies and other special situations.

The authorities said they will soon release the list of road sections eligible for such tests.

John Zeng, managing director of the consulting firm LMC Automotive Shanghai, said the guideline is very helpful to companies in the sector, many of which are testing autonomous driving in the United States.

“It’s a practical move that will greatly promote the sector. It will be even more helpful if there is a nationallevel guideline,” said Zeng.

The guideline came four days after the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology unveiled a threeyear plan to boost the application of artificial intelligence in automotive and other sectors. — China Daily / Asia News Network