Baidu has received a green light from regulators to begin testing its autonomous cars in North Lantau, Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has taken a major step in its smart mobility ambitions, issuing its first pilot license for autonomous vehicles to Baidu Apollo. The region’s transport department announced the approval on November 29, granting Baidu permission to trial up to ten self-driving vehicles on specified roads in North Lantau.

Each test will feature a single autonomous private car operating along a route that includes the Hong Kong International Airport and surrounding areas. To comply with stringent regulations introduced in March 2024, a human operator will be required onboard during the trials to ensure safety.

“The flexible regulatory framework encourages industry participation and ensures trials are conducted in a safe and orderly manner,” the department said, emphasizing its dual focus on innovation and road safety.

For Baidu, the license represents a pathway to global markets. “This is not only the first pilot license for autonomous vehicles granted in Hong Kong, but also the first right-hand drive autonomous driving test license obtained by Apollo Go. It marks a critical milestone in our journey toward globalization,” the company said.

The move aligns with Baidu’s reported plans to expand its Apollo Go ride-hailing service beyond China, with Hong Kong among the regions under consideration, alongside Singapore and the Middle East.

This pilot program in Hong Kong will also assess the feasibility of autonomous driving in urban environments, shaping the future deployment of self-driving technology across the region.

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