China's Road Traffic Safety Law Draft Raises E-Bike Speed Limit, Regulates Autonomous Driving

One of the most notable changes concerns electric bicycles. The draft proposes raising the maximum speed limit for e-bikes on non-motorized lanes from the current 15 km/h to 20 km/h. This adjustment only affects road speed limits, not the design speed limit, which remains at 25 km/h under national standards. The move is intended to narrow the gap between how fast e-bikes can technically go and how fast they are legally allowed to travel. Despite the higher speed limit, riding rules remain strict: e-bike riders are prohibited from going against traffic, speeding, running red lights, using handheld phones, or watching videos. Both riders and passengers are required to wear safety helmets.

For motor vehicles, the draft adds clearer red lines against "blind driving" — using a phone or watching videos while driving. If such behavior causes a traffic accident or other serious consequences, the offender faces a fine of 200 to 500 yuan and may have their driving license suspended for up to three months. The enhanced penalty is conditional on causing an accident or serious outcomes, meaning a simple glance at a phone without consequences does not automatically trigger license suspension.

The draft also includes a dedicated chapter of special provisions for autonomous vehicles. When the autonomous driving function is activated and a road traffic violation occurs, the vehicle's manufacturer or importer is responsible for handling the violation. However, this rule applies only when true autonomous driving is engaged. If the function is not activated or the vehicle has only assisted driving capabilities, it remains subject to ordinary vehicle management rules — the human driver is still responsible. The draft clarifies that having automakers accept violation handling does not automatically assign all accident liability to them; accident determination, civil compensation, and product liability will still depend on specific circumstances and future supporting regulations.

Group walking events, often referred to as "speed-walking groups," are also targeted. The draft reiterates that no unit or individual may occupy roads for walking, fitness, or other non-traffic activities without permission. Public security, transportation, and housing and urban-rural construction authorities are obliged to discourage, stop, and deal with such activities, while road maintenance units have the duty to dissuade and report them.

In addition, the revision addresses long-standing traffic governance problems such as drunk driving, abandoned vehicles, and non-compliant vehicles, and adds several measures to facilitate travel. The draft is only at the initial review stage. Whether the 20 km/h speed limit and other adjustments will be finalized and when they will take effect still depend on subsequent deliberations and official publication.