Recently, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system began testing in China. Despite its hefty 64,000-yuan ($8,800 USD) optional upgrade price, many car bloggers jumped at the chance to test it firsthand. However, the results were shocking—FSD repeatedly “crashed” in Chinese road conditions, even failing to follow basic traffic rules.
One well-known car blogger, while testing FSD, racked up multiple violations and was fined by traffic police. He spent the night processing 7 citations, not leaving the police station until 5 a.m., holding a stack of violation tickets. This incident quickly sparked heated discussion, raising the question: Is Tesla’s FSD really usable in China? How far is autonomous driving from true “hands-free” operation?
FSD Struggles in China? Frequent Violations During Testing
During the blogger’s FSD test, the system committed multiple violations, including:
- Occupying bus lanes
- Entering non-motorized vehicle lanes
- Changing lanes over solid lines
- Going straight in a right-turn-only lane
- Nearly scraping a delivery scooter
These infractions not only broke traffic laws but also exposed FSD’s struggles adapting to China’s complex roads. Under Chinese traffic regulations, such violations carry penalties like: - Solid-line lane change: 1-3 points deducted, 20-200 yuan fine
- Illegally using bus lanes: 1-3 points deducted, 200 yuan fine
- Entering non-motorized lanes: Fines and points vary by situation
From these violations, it’s clear FSD’s performance in China is far from true “autonomous driving”—it can’t even consistently follow basic rules.
Autonomous Driving ≠ Driverless: The Driver Remains Fully Responsible
After handling all the violations, the blogger emphasized in his video:
“All current ‘smart driving’ systems are just driver-assist features. As long as you’re in the driver’s seat, you’re the primary person responsible.”
Under China’s current laws, all “smart driving” systems on the market, including Tesla’s FSD, are classified as Level 2 (L2) driver assistance, meaning:
- Drivers must always maintain control, keeping hands on the wheel
- Drivers need to be ready to take over at any moment and can’t fully rely on the system
- If an accident occurs, the driver remains legally accountable
In short, FSD doesn’t “free your hands” or let you nap. If an accident happens due to negligence or failure to intervene, the driver bears full responsibility.
FSD’s Future in China: Is Autonomous Driving Really Reliable?
1. China’s Complex Roads Pose a Huge Challenge for FSD
Compared to places like the U.S., China’s driving environment is far more chaotic, with heavy presence of non-motorized vehicles, pedestrians, and irregular driving habits. For example:
- Scooters and delivery riders weaving unpredictably
- Road markings missing or unclear at some intersections
- Pedestrians crossing streets at random
These factors severely test FSD’s algorithms, and current tech clearly isn’t up to handling China’s roads.
2. Legal Limits: FSD Can’t Truly “Drive Itself”
China’s regulations on autonomous driving remain strict, with L3 and higher levels not yet fully permitted. Even if FSD has higher-level capabilities, it’s restricted to L2 assist mode in China, requiring drivers to stay fully alert.
3. Improvements May Come, But Caution Is Key for Now
As technology advances, L3 or higher autonomy might gradually roll out, and carmakers’ liability for system failures could shift. But for now, drivers remain fully accountable and shouldn’t over-rely on FSD.
Conclusion: FSD Isn’t “Autonomous Driving”—Don’t Treat Yourself Like a Passenger!
Tesla’s FSD debut in China has revealed glaring issues: it struggles with the country’s complex traffic and can’t even follow basic rules consistently.
Right now, FSD is just L2 driver assistance. Drivers must stay vigilant and ready to take over at any time. If an accident occurs from over-reliance, the driver takes the blame.
So don’t be fooled by the “autonomous driving” label—at least in 2025, FSD is nowhere near true “driverless” capability.
What do you think of Tesla FSD’s performance in China? Would you spend 64,000 yuan to add it to your car? Let’s discuss in the comments!