China proposes new safety rules for autonomous vehicles and electric bicycles

A draft revision to China's Road Traffic Safety Law was submitted for its first reading to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, on Tuesday, proposing new rules on autonomous vehicles and measures targeting distracted driving and electric bicycles.

The draft was submitted to the 24th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress. It consists of 170 articles in nine chapters.

A new chapter focuses on autonomous vehicles, setting out requirements for road use, traffic violation handling and insurance.

Under the draft, when a road traffic safety violation occurs while an autonomous driving function is activated, the vehicle manufacturer or importer will be responsible for handling the violation.

Autonomous vehicles operating without autonomous driving functions activated, as well as vehicles equipped only with driver-assistance functions, will be managed under rules applying to conventional vehicles.

The draft also addresses prominent road safety issues including drunk driving, distracted driving, long-unused vehicles and road-occupying activities.

Drivers who use handheld phones to make or answer calls, watch videos or engage in other activities that interfere with safe driving and cause traffic accidents or other serious consequences could face fines of 200 yuan to 500 yuan($30 to $74), with possible suspension of their driver's licenses for three months.

It also stipulates that no organization or individual may occupy roads for non-traffic activities without authorization, a provision aimed at activities such as large walking groups that can obstruct normal traffic.

Rules on electric bicycles are also proposed to be adjusted. The draft would raise the maximum speed for electric bicycles in non-motorized vehicle lanes from 15 km/h to 20 km/h.

It would also prohibit riders from traveling against traffic, speeding, violating traffic signals, using handheld phones or watching videos while riding. Riders and passengers would be required to wear safety helmets in accordance with relevant regulations.

The revision also seeks to improve convenience for the public while strengthening road traffic safety and adapting to changes in transport technology and travel needs.