The government in Shenzhen, China announced new provisions that lay out comprehensive rules governing the use of autonomous vehicles in the city. The regulations are set to take effect on August 1, and they grant permission for autonomous vehicles to operate in Shenzhen without a person in the driver’s seat.

The new regulations allow autonomous vehicles to operate in designated areas of the city. According to the regulation, companies must obtain relevant permits. To hit the road, the vehicles must be registered with the Ministry of Public Security. To engage in business activities, like charging for robotaxi rides, companies need permission from the Ministry of Transportation…

If no driver is in the driver’s seat, the responsibility falls to the owner or manager of the vehicle. The regulations also state that if the accident is caused by a defect in the autonomous car, then the owner of the car can seek compensation from the manufacturer.