China Bans Autonomous Driving, Beta Tests, Remote Parking and OTA Updates

China is tightening the rules on autonomous driving technology, marking a major shift for the country’s fast-moving auto industry. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has introduced strict new regulations following growing safety concerns, especially after a recent crash that resulted in three fatalities.

On April 16, MIIT outlined clear restrictions aimed at curbing the way automakers develop, test, and market autonomous driving systems. The new rules have already begun circulating widely within the industry and are expected to reshape how these features are rolled out.

One of the biggest changes is a ban on public beta testing programs. Automakers can no longer rely on "pioneer users" or early adopters to try out new autonomous driving features on public roads without official approval. Authorities stressed that all such testing must now go through formal channels.

MIIT is also clamping down on the “word” or “terms” car companies can use in their marketing. Terms like “autonomous driving,” “automatic driving,” and “intelligent driving” are no longer allowed in advertisements or promotional materials. Automakers must now stick to precise technical terms, like “L2 assisted driving,” to avoid misleading customers about what the systems can actually do.

This is in line with concerns raised by Li Auto founder, Li Xiang, who called for media outlets and industry organisations to standardise terminologies in the field of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. Li had expressed concerns that current naming and marketing practices are confusing consumers.

Features that allow vehicles to drive or park themselves without the driver paying attention are also facing an outright ban. Functions such as valet parking, one-touch summoning, and remote-controlled parking will no longer be approved for use, as the ministry believes these cannot ensure safe driver engagement.

The regulations also require cars to have stricter hands-on detection. Vehicles must monitor whether the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel, and if they remain off for more than 60 seconds, the system must take action. This could include slowing the car, turning on hazard lights, or safely pulling over.

MIIT is additionally restricting the use of over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Automakers will now need approval for updates that change the behavior of driving systems, with emergency patches subject to recall procedures under the State Administration for Market Regulation.

These measures arrive just days before the Shanghai Auto Show, where autonomous driving features were expected to be a major highlight as the government signals intention to place safety ahead of technology hype.

The new rules are likely to hit high-profile tech-driven automakers the hardest. Companies like Tesla, Huawei, Xpeng, Li Auto and Nio, which have all aggressively marketed autonomous features, may now need to rethink their strategies.

China’s move marks one of the strongest regulatory crackdowns on autonomous driving features worldwide, setting a tone for clear shift toward caution after years of rapid development.

Source: CarNewsChina