Driver Fined for Using Phone with Hands Off Wheel in Smart Driving Mode on Jinghu Expressway

On July 30, on the G2 Beijing–Shanghai Expressway heading into Shanghai, east of the S20 Outer Ring Interchange, the Highway Patrol Unit of Jiading Public Security Bureau’s Traffic Management Brigade discovered via police drone surveillance that driver Wei had completely removed both hands from the steering wheel while driving, was looking down at his phone, and not paying attention to the road ahead. The following day, Wei was summoned to the unit, where he admitted he had activated his vehicle’s intelligent driving assistance system and was replying to a message on his phone at the time. He also stated that he had previously been rear-ended in an accident due to similar behavior. Officers emphasized that intelligent driving systems are merely assistive features, and drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times—removing both hands constitutes a traffic violation. Wei was legally penalized with three demerit points and a fine of 200 RMB for obstructing safe driving.