Tesla’s self-driving technology is moving closer to full approval in China. The company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system already operates in the country, but it’s currently limited compared to what’s available in the United States. Chinese authorities have now set a target date of February to March 2026 for complete approval, according to statements made by Elon Musk during Tesla’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting.
Currently, Tesla has secured partial approval for its driver-assist technology in China. The system works similarly to the version offered in the US, using billions of miles of real-world driving data to train the technology. It can handle route routing, steering, lane changes, and parking assistance. However, drivers must stay actively involved and ready to take control at any moment. The system isn’t fully autonomous under current Chinese regulations. The technology has been trained on over 100 years’ worth of driving scenarios to enhance its safety and performance capabilities.
The technology includes 360-degree camera visibility that helps monitor blind spots around the vehicle. When changing lanes, the system must watch for bicycles, motorcycles, and other vehicles. It can also pilot parking lots and maneuver through tight spaces. Despite these advanced features, continuous driver supervision remains mandatory. Musk’s statement that “that’s what they’ve told us” regarding the approval timeline reflects direct communication with Chinese authorities. The system’s Smart Summon feature allows the vehicle to navigate complex parking situations remotely.
China represents an important market for Tesla’s worldwide autonomy plans. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is currently available in seven regions: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, and China. Success in China could open doors for broader acceptance across Asia.
Musk told shareholders that Chinese regulators had communicated this timeline to Tesla. The announcement came as shareholders unanimously approved a major compensation package for Musk. During the same meeting, the board confirmed it’d review potential investments in xAI, and Tesla highlighted its progress on Full Self-Driving as a key strategic focus.
The February-March 2026 timeframe represents the most specific public target date for China’s full approval. If met, it’d mark a significant milestone for Tesla’s global expansion of autonomous driving technology. The approval process follows the partial authorization already in place, showing a phased approach to meeting different regional requirements.