Did Shanghai issue the first batch of autonomous vehicle license plates?
Recently, news circulated that the Traffic Police Division of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau’s Pudong Branch issued the first batch of identification plates for autonomous vehicles. These plates are designed in a light blue and white combination, starting with a regional abbreviation followed by a combination of letters and numbers, clearly labeled as “autonomous equipment” on top.
Many netizens associated these autonomous vehicle identification plates with self-driving cars, with some media outlets claiming they were “exclusive license plates for autonomous vehicles.”
On November 15, The Paper learned from relevant departments and enterprises in Pudong New Area that this understanding was a misinterpretation. The “autonomous equipment” being referred to does not mean the self-driving cars that netizens envision. Instead, it refers to low-speed wheeled equipment meant for unmanned delivery, which notably lacks a driver’s seat or cabin. This equipment primarily operates on non-motor vehicle lanes, fulfilling designated tasks related to delivery, sanitation, and patrol.
Autonomous Equipment Identification Plates Are Not the Same as Autonomous Vehicle Plates
In fact, issuing identification plates for autonomous equipment is not a recent phenomenon. According to the “Pudong Release,” during the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in July of this year, the Pudong Traffic Police Division and the Pudong District Science and Economy Committee jointly issued the city’s first batch of identification plates for autonomous equipment, certifying five enterprises. This marked an important milestone in the application of autonomous equipment in Pudong New Area and nationwide, indicating a gradual move towards standardized and large-scale application.
However, this “recognition plate” has recently gained traction online, being misinterpreted as “autonomous vehicle license plates.” Some short videos have linked images of the recognition plates to autonomous vehicles, resulting in the trending topic #ShanghaiIssuesFirstBatchOfAutonomousVehicleLicensePlates.
On November 15, a reporter from The Paper interviewed a representative from an autonomous vehicle company, who clarified that the autonomous equipment identification plates and autonomous vehicle plates are entirely different; the former cannot be used for autonomous taxis. Currently, all intelligent connected vehicles in Shanghai must legally obtain test license plates, which are periodically replaced according to relevant management regulations.
Understanding Autonomous Equipment Correctly
The Pudong New Area Science and Economy Committee explained to The Paper that on June 29, 2023, the Pudong New Area People’s Congress voted to pass regulations to promote the innovative application of autonomous equipment. These regulations clearly defined autonomous equipment as low-speed wheeled devices that operate autonomously through intelligent network systems and are allowed to travel on non-motor vehicle lanes within designated roads and areas.
Additionally, the Shanghai Vehicle Networking Association’s released standards specify that delivery-type low-speed autonomous equipment operates at designated speeds on specific roads and areas, does not meet the definition of motor vehicles, and is equipped without a driver’s seat, completing assigned tasks through intelligent networking systems.
Currently, five enterprises in Pudong have received identification plates for a total of 17 autonomous vehicles; one of these companies is White Rhino. On November 15, a company representative informed The Paper that obtaining the identification plate allows their unmanned logistics vehicles to operate legally on the road, primarily facilitating connections between service points and distribution hubs. The company is actively expanding its unmanned delivery services and has partnered with courier companies to provide logistical support.
Why Issue Identification Plates for Autonomous Equipment?
Did autonomous equipment have any “license” before this? What is the significance of issuing these identification plates?
The Pudong New Area Economic and Science Committee explained that previously, there was no unified identification for autonomous equipment. The issuance of these recognition plates serves three main purposes:
- Clarifying Liability in Accidents: While a comprehensive national legal framework for autonomous vehicles has yet to be established, Pudong New Area has implemented specific regulations to clarify the liability of autonomous equipment in case of accidents through the issuance of identification plates.
- Enhancing Regulatory Oversight: With dedicated identification for autonomous equipment, management authorities can more easily track and regulate these devices, ensuring road safety and providing a more convenient and effective means of oversight for traffic management.
- Promoting the Integration of Autonomous Technology: Specialized identification plates can help facilitate the application and development of autonomous technologies in the transport sector. The unique colors and markings aid traditional drivers in quickly recognizing these vehicles on the road, improving public awareness and acceptance of autonomous technology.
Progress in the Application of Autonomous Vehicles
Many are also curious about the progress of passenger-carrying autonomous vehicles and whether they will have exclusive license plates.
The Pudong New Area Economic and Science Committee informed The Paper that test license plates for driverless intelligent connected vehicles were issued as early as last March, but this does not mean they are authorized for commercial operation. Autonomous vehicles will progress through various stages, including road testing, demonstration applications, and operational phases, with corresponding temporary driving license plates and vehicle identification plates issued at each stage. Currently, autonomous vehicles in Pudong are in the demonstration application phase, expected to advance to the operational phase by the end of this year or early next year.
For passenger-carrying autonomous vehicles, Pudong has established relevant regulations and implementation details. Unlike autonomous equipment, which does not carry passengers, the stringent application of temporary driving license plates and vehicle identification plates for autonomous vehicles is governed more carefully by government departments.
In November 2022, the Shanghai People’s Congress passed China’s first local regulation on the innovative application of intelligent connected vehicles—Regulations on Promoting the Innovative Application of Driverless Intelligent Connected Vehicles in Pudong New Area. In March 2023, the Pudong New Area People’s Government issued detailed implementation rules to solidify the legal basis for intelligent connected vehicle operation.
The Pudong New Area Economic and Science Committee stated that it aims to lead the legislative standardization of driverless intelligent connected vehicles while balancing government-market interactions and building an orderly development framework for the autonomous driving industry. Additionally, it will explore establishing an employment security loop for traditional drivers, ensuring that positions related to safety and operations in autonomous driving receive appropriate consideration.