China’s southern tech hub Shenzhen becomes first city on mainland to regulate fully autonomous, driverless cars on some roads

Shenzhen’s new regulations of intelligent connected cars took effect on Aug 1. Registered autonomous vehicles that function without a human driver can travel on certain roads designated by local transport authorities. — SCMP

Fully autonomous, driverless cars could become a frequent sight at some roads in Shenzhen, China’s technology hub in southern Guangdong province, after the metropolis rolled out the country’s first dedicated regulations for these vehicles.

Under Shenzhen’s regulations of intelligent connected cars, which took effect on August 1, registered autonomous vehicles that function without a human driver can travel on certain roads and other areas designated by local transport authorities. A so-called safety operator, however, is still required.