The "Safety Requirements for Intelligent Connected Vehicle Automated Driving Systems" (GB 44721—2026), developed by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, has been officially released and will take effect on July 1, 2027. This mandatory national standard applies to L3 and L4 autonomous driving systems, establishing a comprehensive safety framework across four dimensions: full-lifecycle security, dynamic driving task execution, human-machine interaction, and testing methods. It marks China's shift from "concept competition" to "compliance-based market access" for autonomous driving.
Background: Autonomous Driving Enters the Compliance Era
In early August 2026, GB 44721—2026 was approved by China's State Administration for Market Regulation and Standardization Administration. This is the country's first mandatory national standard targeting L3 and L4 autonomous driving systems, scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2027.
China's autonomous driving technology has advanced rapidly in recent years. In 2025, two L3 models received conditional market approval, and intelligent connected vehicle road testing has been progressing nationwide. However, the industry has also faced issues such as missing standards and frequent concept hype. The release of GB 44721 establishes a unified safety baseline for autonomous driving products.
Four Core Pillars of the Safety Framework
Full-Lifecycle Security Mechanism
The standard requires vehicle manufacturers to establish security capabilities covering the entire process from product design and development to production and post-deployment. This means automakers must build a safety management system throughout the product lifecycle, not just conduct one-time pre-launch verification.
Manufacturers must organize simulation, proving ground, and road tests during R&D validation, ensuring that testing resources and conditions meet requirements. Before market launch, models must undergo comprehensive inspection and testing of the actual AD system capabilities.
Dynamic Driving Task Execution
The standard specifies that the safety level of automated driving systems should at least match that of a qualified, attentive human driver performing dynamic driving tasks, while not posing unreasonable safety risks to users or other road users.
It also clarifies the triggering and execution requirements for Minimum Risk Maneuver (MRM). For L3 systems, the goal is to move the vehicle to a safe stationary position at the roadside; L4 systems must move to a safe area, representing a higher threshold.
Human-Machine Interaction and User Notification
To prevent misuse and abuse, the standard mandates safe activation and deactivation processes for AD systems, with clear specifications for status signals including ready, activated, and deactivated states.
L3 systems must also monitor driver takeover capability, checking whether the driver is seated and belted, using at least two indicators (such as eye closure or head lowering) with each assessment cycle not exceeding 30 seconds.
Multi-Dimensional Testing Methods
The standard constructs an integrated testing system combining enterprise capability inspection, safety documentation review, and confirmatory testing. Third-party testing agencies will conduct confirmatory tests using proving ground tests, road tests, and simulation tests based on national recommended standards.
International Alignment: The Unique Value of China's Approach
In June 2026, the UN Global Technical Regulation on Automated Driving Systems (ADS GTR), led by China, was formally approved. Compared to ADS GTR, GB 44721 introduces more detailed technical requirements for L3 and L4 systems.
Sun Hang, Chief Engineer of China Automotive Technology and Research Center, noted that while maintaining core technical alignment with international regulations, the Chinese standard better fits domestic road traffic conditions and industry management needs. For example, it innovatively includes electric bicycles as test scenarios, reflecting targeted considerations for China's complex road environment.
| Dimension | GB 44721 (China) | ADS GTR (UN) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable Levels | L3, L4 | L3, L4 |
| Takeover Monitoring | 2+ indicators, cycle ≤30s | General requirements |
| Test Scenarios | Includes China-specific scenarios like e-bikes | Generic scenarios |
| Testing System | Enterprise + third-party multi-dimensional | Enterprise self-certification |
| User Notification | Multi-channel, detailed requirements | Basic notification |
Industry Impact: From Hype to Compliance Competition
The release of GB 44721 will profoundly impact the industry. It unifies the safety baseline for AD products, strengthens automakers' safety responsibilities, and helps eliminate concept hype. It also lays the groundwork for Chinese automakers' global expansion and international technical mutual recognition.
For automakers developing L3 and L4 systems, the period before July 1, 2027 represents a critical compliance preparation window. Products failing to meet the standard will not gain market access, and industry consolidation is inevitable.
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