China: Adopted Notice by the Ministry of Transport regarding the "Guidelines for Autonomous Vehicle Transportation Safety Service (Trial)

On 21 November 2023, the Ministry of Transport adopted the "Guidelines for Autonomous Vehicle Transportation Safety Service (Trial)". The guidelines aim to set out the conditions under which autonomous cars, including electric buses, taxis and trucks, would be allowed to circulate on public roads. In particular, the guidelines indicate that the operators of autonomous cars for transportation services will have to register to obtain a business license and demonstrate that the vehicle meets all the safety standards. Further, the presence of a safety officer for self-driving vehicles engaged in specific transportation activities is mandated.