China imposes stricter autonomous‑vehicle regulations and bans turquoise indicator lights

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced new autonomous‑vehicle legislation that will take effect on 1 July 2027. The rules require all vehicles with advanced driver‑assistance systems to provide an immediate driver‑takeover capability, continuously monitor driver attention, and include clearly defined procedures for activating and deactivating autonomous mode. Manufacturers must also give detailed information to customers about system limitations. The tighter standards follow a fatal crash involving an autonomous‑mode vehicle.

In a related move, MIIT ordered manufacturers to stop installing turquoise exterior lights that have been used to signal that a vehicle is operating in autonomous mode. The lights, first introduced by Li Auto in 2022 and later adopted by Mercedes‑Benz and other brands, were never permitted under the existing GB 4785 lighting standard, which only allows white, yellow, amber and red colours. Regulators said the turquoise lights can be overly bright and distract other road users.

Both measures aim to improve road safety as China’s autonomous‑vehicle market continues to expand rapidly.