Japan to revise safety standards for autonomous vehicle production
The Japanese government is set to update safety regulations to allow for the mass production of Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous vehicles lacking traditional steering and pedal controls.
Japan is moving to standardize safety certifications for autonomous vehicles, potentially ending the practice of individual approvals for cars without steering wheels, brake pedals, or accelerators. The revisions focus on Level 4 (L4) and Level 5 (L5) autonomous systems, facilitating the mass production of driverless taxis and automated transport services.
Historically, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has evaluated such vehicles on a case-by-case basis. A ministry-led working group is scheduled to convene on November 4 to formalize the transition, with new standards expected to apply to vehicles produced from December onward. This move aligns Japan with international standards set by the UN’s World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29).
While safety protocols remain stringent—requiring crash tests for passenger-carrying vehicles—the update provides a clearer regulatory pathway for manufacturers to remove interior hardware, thereby reducing costs and expanding cabin space. The government has set a target of operating at least 10,000 autonomous buses and taxis across the country by fiscal year 2030.