On the Anhui section of the Shanghai–Xi’an Expressway, a driver was filmed with hands off the wheel and legs raised while traveling at 110 km/h. Traffic police confirmed he relied on L2 driver assistance and fined him 200 RMB with 3 demerit points.

Social Context

China’s 2023 Intelligent Vehicle Supervision Regulations prohibit hands-off operation even with L2 systems, requiring continuous driver attention. All new vehicles sold after 2024 must feature driver-monitoring cameras that trigger audible alerts and progressive speed reduction upon detected inattention.

Safety Tip

Drivers must keep hands within 10 cm of the wheel at all times; L2 systems are classified as ‘driver support’—not autonomous—and disengage instantly if torque sensors detect zero grip pressure for >2 seconds.