China has recently issued a set of guidelines aimed at regulating the behavior of participants in the smart driving industry. With the increasing adoption of smart driving features in vehicles, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has emphasized the importance of companies providing accurate information to consumers regarding the capabilities of driver assistance systems.
According to the document released by the MIIT, companies are prohibited from engaging in false or misleading marketing practices that imply driver assistance systems can be used as self-driving systems. It is crucial for companies to ensure that consumers have a clear understanding of the limitations and functionalities of smart connected vehicles.
The guidelines also require companies to implement exit strategies in the event of driver distraction. This includes activating risk mitigation functions to safely stop the vehicle when the system detects that the driver has disengaged from the driving task or failed to respond to warnings. Additionally, companies must have policies in place to restrict the activation of driving assistance functions if the driver fails to use them properly.
In the case of parking assistance, the system must have the ability to detect obstacles and other road users in the operational area, and safely stop or slow the vehicle to avoid collisions. Companies are also mandated to report any incidents involving the failure of driver assistance systems to regulatory authorities within specific timeframes.
These guidelines come at a time when smart driving features are becoming more prevalent in vehicles. Companies like BYD have already begun implementing smart driving features across their entire model lineup, making these capabilities accessible to a wider range of consumers. Tesla has also recently rolled out a software update in China that introduces high-level smart driving features, intensifying competition in the industry.
As smart driving capabilities continue to evolve and become more widespread, it is essential for companies to adhere to regulatory guidelines and ensure the safety and proper usage of these technologies. By providing accurate information to consumers and implementing robust safety measures, companies can contribute to the advancement of smart driving technology while prioritizing consumer safety.
