In China, the Supreme Court has ruled that the driver of a vehicle with assisted driving technology remains responsible for the vehicle's operation in case of an accident.
In a significant ruling for the automotive sector, the Supreme People's Court of China established that drivers of vehicles equipped with assisted driving technology are still the primary responsible actors behind the wheel, even if the vehicle is operating in autonomous mode. This ruling was made in response to a case involving a drunk driver who was sleeping while the car was on autopilot, highlighting the limitations of these advanced driving systems.
The court emphasized that the assisted driving system cannot replace the driver's responsibility and that the person in control of the vehicle is ultimately accountable for road safety. The decision sets a national framework regarding the responsibilities of drivers using such technologies, ensuring that they understand their ongoing obligation to maintain control of their vehicle.
This ruling is particularly relevant as the technology used in assisted driving continues to evolve rapidly. It indicates that despite advancements in automation, the legal framework will hold drivers accountable for their actions while using these systems, which might affect public perception and the adoption rate of assisted driving technology in the future.
