Archive · 25 Aug 2026
China Proposes Autonomous-Driving Rules Amid Millions of Door-Handle Recalls
China wants to update its traffic laws because cars are becoming more automated.
The proposed rules would explain who is responsible when a self-driving car breaks a traffic rule.
The carmaker or importer could be responsible when the car is driving itself.
Drivers would still follow existing rules when they are driving or using driver-assistance features.
At the same time, many electric vehicles are being recalled because emergency door handles may be hard to find.
Tesla is recalling millions of vehicles in China.
Xiaomi and Xpeng are also recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles.
China may ban hidden door handles starting in 2027.
China’s draft road-safety amendments would create a dedicated section governing autonomous driving.
Carmakers or importers could be responsible for traffic violations committed in fully autonomous-driving mode.
Existing rules would continue to apply when drivers operate vehicles manually or use driver-assistance systems.
Tesla is recalling about 2.9 million China-made vehicles and roughly 46,000 imported vehicles over emergency door-handle concerns.
Xiaomi, Xpeng, Geely, Chery and Leapmotor have also announced recalls involving difficult-to-identify interior emergency door releases.
- Who
- China’s legislature, vehicle manufacturers and importers, including Tesla, Xiaomi, Xpeng, Geely, Chery and Leapmotor.
- What
- China is proposing autonomous-driving liability rules while automakers recall vehicles over emergency door-handle concerns.
- When
- The draft was submitted for initial review on Tuesday; the recalls include actions beginning September 25, and proposed hidden-handle restrictions could begin January 1, 2027.
- Where
- China, including China-made and imported vehicles covered by recalls there.
- Why
- The changes aim to align traffic laws with advancing vehicle technology and improve emergency access to vehicle doors.
- Proposed legal change
- A dedicated autonomous-driving section would be added to China’s Road Traffic Safety Law.
- Potential liability
- Carmakers or importers could be held accountable for traffic violations committed in autonomous-driving mode.
- Tesla recall
- About 2.9 million China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, plus roughly 46,000 imported Model 3, Model X and Model S vehicles, are covered.
- Xiaomi recall
- About 390,000 vehicles from the 2024 SU7 series are being recalled.
- Xpeng recall
- Nearly 265,000 vehicles are covered by Xpeng’s recall.
- Door-handle concern
- Interior emergency mechanical handles may blend into the cabin and be difficult to locate or operate.
- Potential future requirement
- Rules announced by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology would prohibit hidden door handles from January 1, 2027, and require mechanical opening methods inside and outside vehicles.