US lawmakers have introduced legislation to gradually phase out Chinese-made LiDAR sensors in autonomous vehicles and critical infrastructure. Safety experts have warned that in conflict situations, these devices could be vulnerable to space-based intrusion and remote shutdown, leading to widespread system paralysis in the US within seconds.
Federal Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat from Illinois) officially introduced the bill this week. He also serves as the chief Democratic member of the US House Select Committee on the CCP.
The legislation, named the “Stopping Adversaries From Exploiting LiDAR Act of 2025” or “SAFE LiDAR Act,” aims to phase out Chinese-made LiDAR sensors gradually. LiDAR technology utilizes lasers to assist self-driving vehicles in building a 3D view of their surroundings. Apart from automotive applications, LiDAR is also used in port cranes, defense equipment, and robotic systems.
Allowing foreign adversaries to dominate this technology could pose risks of espionage, technological sabotage, and disruption of sensitive supply chains.
According to the bill text, with certain exemptions or extensions, starting three years after the enactment of the bill, the procurement, leasing, or deployment of new Chinese-made LiDAR equipment will be prohibited. The legislation provides partial exemptions and extensions for scientific research and cybersecurity research areas.
For critical infrastructure and federal government entities, the bill imposes stricter restrictions. If relevant products or systems were in use before the enactment of the bill, usage must cease five years after the enactment date. If not yet in use at the time of enactment, they cannot be used from the enactment date onwards.
Currently, US companies like Ouster and Aeva Technologies are actively pursuing orders, but Chinese companies have gradually dominated the market. In June of this year, estimates by consulting firm Yole Group indicated that Chinese LiDAR manufacturers held 93% of the passenger car market and 89% of the overall LiDAR market.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi stated in a press release, “The US and its allies should take a leadership role in LiDAR innovation rather than surrendering control of this critical technology to foreign adversaries who could endanger the American people.”
Previously, the Washington-based think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies warned in a report that in a conflict scenario, Chinese LiDAR equipment could serve as a gateway for adversaries to infiltrate the US. They noted that these sensors could potentially be remotely paralyzed via satellites in seconds, affecting vast regions of the US.
Craig Singleton, a senior China researcher at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and author of the report, expressed concern, saying, “We don’t need a ‘Huawei on wheels’ moment.” He further warned, “Chinese-made LiDAR is already being embedded in various US infrastructure—from autonomous vehicles to pipeline inspection systems—and allowing (Chinese) suppliers to continue expanding poses the risk of repeating the strategic mistakes we made with Huawei.”
LiDAR is also seen as a crucial technology for future autonomous military vehicles. The US Department of Defense has blacklisted Hesai Group, the world’s largest automotive LiDAR manufacturer, accusing it of assisting the Chinese military.
Hesai Group challenged this designation in US courts but ultimately lost the case.