China has taken a significant step forward in autonomous driving by approving its first Level 3 self‑driving passenger cars. This means some vehicles can now operate on public roads with limited self‑driving capabilities under specific conditions.
Before this, self‑driving technology in China was mostly limited to testing in controlled environments. Now, regulators are letting real cars use autonomous systems on real roads, albeit in a restricted way.
What was approved
Regulators officially certified two electric sedans for Level 3 autonomy. The first, the Changan Deepal SL03, can drive itself on certain roads in Chongqing. Regulators also approved the BAIC Arcfox Alpha S for designated routes in Beijing. Both cars face clear limits: they can only operate their self-driving systems in specific zones and under defined conditions, including speed restrictions. This pilot program does not cover the whole country, but it marks an important step forward.
What Level 3 actually means
Level 3 autonomy, also called “conditional automation,” means the car can handle driving tasks on its own in certain situations. For example, it might manage steering, speed, and lane changes on a highway without constant driver input.
However, the driver must still be ready to take over when the system asks. This is different from Level 2 systems, which require the driver’s attention at all times even when assisted driving is active. Most current “self‑driving” features on cars today are still Level 2.
Why this matters
This approval is important because it moves autonomous driving from pure testing into regulated use on public roads. That’s a major shift.
China is signaling that it believes the technology has matured enough to be useful outside of closed testing grounds. At the same time, regulators are trying to keep safety front and center through limits and oversight.
Global implications
Few countries have allowed Level 3 autonomy on public roads. Many regulators around the world are still wrestling with legal and safety questions. By moving ahead, China gives its automakers a chance to gather real‑world experience earlier than some competitors.
That could be an advantage as the industry continues developing more advanced autonomous systems.
What comes next
These approvals are likely just the beginning. More models may receive permits, and the locations where autonomous systems are allowed could expand. Regulators will also refine rules around safety, liability, and insurance — areas that become important as autonomous systems gain traction.
This doesn’t mean fully driverless cars are here yet. Those are still years away. But letting Level 3 systems operate under real conditions is a meaningful step.
So what’s actually happening?
China’s first Level 3 certification is not about fully driverless cars yet. It is about crossing the line from testing to regulated use. That alone makes it one of the most important automotive developments of 2025.
