The Law on Road Traffic Accident Safety, which came into effect on May 1 2004, first proposed that if the rescue expenses exceed the liability limit, the social relief fund for road traffic accidents will advance part or all of the rescue expenses, and the management institution of the social relief fund for road traffic accidents will have the right to recover from the person responsible for the traffic accident.
The Regulations on Compulsory Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents, which came into effect on July 1 2006, also defined the advance scope, sources of funds and the formulation department of management measures of relief funds.
From June 5438 to 10, 2009, with the approval of the State Council, the Ministry of Finance, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture jointly issued the Trial Measures for the Management of Social Assistance Funds for Road Traffic Accidents (Order No.56). The Measures stipulate that the people's governments at the provincial level shall set up relief funds, and the local financial departments shall be responsible for guiding and supervising the collection, use and management of relief funds at the same level. The management system of social assistance fund for road traffic accidents is a supplement to the compulsory insurance system for motor vehicle traffic accidents and a new social security system. The purpose is to ensure that the victims of road traffic accidents can get timely assistance or appropriate compensation through the assistance of the assistance fund when they cannot get compensation according to the compulsory insurance system and the infringer. It fully embodies the concern and help of the state and society for the safety and health of citizens.