In Pictures: China Advances Second Batch of Level 3 Autonomous Driving Approvals After Changan, BAIC

Level 3 systems require drivers to remain ready to take over, a key focus as Beijing weighs its next round of pilot approvals.

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China's MIIT has not disclosed which automakers or models are included in the second batch of Level 3 approvals.

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The pilot program follows conditional permits granted to Changan and BAIC models in December 2025.

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Chinese regulators are expanding testing of conditional autonomous driving on public roads.

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Automakers are pressing for clarity on timing as the second approval round moves forward.

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Level 3 automation allows the vehicle to handle most driving tasks within defined conditions.

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Officials gave no timeline for when the new batch of approvals is expected to be announced.

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The approvals signal Beijing's push to stay competitive in the global race toward autonomous driving.

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The first batch of permits marked a milestone for China's rollout of conditional self-driving features.

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