According to the new national standard for advanced driving assistance systems in China, features like AEB will move from ‘optional’ to ‘standard’ for LCVs.
Around the world, there are ongoing, concerted efforts to reduce road crashes and prevent injuries and deaths. While the widespread use of ADAS in passenger vehicles is commendable, there is a need to introduce such systems in commercial vehicles as well. They account for a significant share of the overall road traffic and accidents involving these vehicles are quite common. China is also thinking on similar lines and has come up with a blueprint to make roads safe for all. Let’s see the details.
AEB for LCV in China
China’s first safety mandates covering advanced driving assistance systems for LCVs are mentioned in “Technical requirements and test methods for automatic emergency braking systems for light vehicles” (GB 39901-2025). This will come into effect from January 1, 2028. It is noteworthy that these safety orders already cover M1 category passenger vehicles like sedans, SUVs and MPVs.
The updated mandate will now also cover N1 category light commercial vehicles. These include vehicles like pickup trucks, mini trucks etc., whose total vehicle weight is 3.5 tonnes. With LCVs included in the safety mandates, the coverage of automatic emergency braking systems has increased by approximately 30%. If implemented, the mandate could help reduce overall road accident cases in China.
Enhanced safety for pedestrians, bicycles and two-wheelers
New safety orders for LCVs in China focus on vulnerable road users. These include pedestrians, bicycles and scooters, which account for more than 30% of road accidents involving LCVs. As per the new safety orders, safety systems in LCVs must display warnings and also trigger auto application of brakes. Such systems must be calibrated to work effectively at speeds of 20 to 60 km/h.
China’s road accident statistics show that the vast majority of accidents occur at speeds of 60 to 80 km/h. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems use sensors, cameras and millimeter-wave radar to scan the road and identify potential risks. If a hazard is detected, a warning is issued to the driver to respond to the situation. AEB also automatically applies brakes to avoid a collision. AEB availability for passenger vehicles in China is expected to exceed 60% in 2025.
India working on similar mandate for commercial vehicles
In absolute numbers, road deaths are the highest in India. In such a situation, it has become necessary to take strict steps to ensure the safety of road users. According to the gazette notification issued by MoRTH last year, new models of trucks and buses, including school buses, will be required to have ADAS. Safety features that will be mandatory for such vehicles include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and driver drowsiness warning.
These new rules are planned to be implemented from October 2027. Relevant changes will be made in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules to accommodate these new safety standards. Other safety systems may also be made mandatory for commercial vehicles in the future.