Japan considers new safety standards for autonomous vehicles

The Japanese government is considering revisions to automotive safety certification standards to facilitate the mass production of Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous vehicles. The proposed rules would allow vehicles without traditional controls, such as steering wheels, brake pedals, and accelerator pedals, to meet unified certification requirements.

Under the new framework, Level 4 vehicles would be capable of autonomous driving under specific conditions, while Level 5 vehicles would require no human intervention. This shift aims to reduce manufacturing costs and increase interior space for passenger comfort. While passenger-carrying vehicles like taxis and buses must still undergo crash testing using dummies, freight vehicles may be exempt provided manufacturers ensure safety during system failures.

A working group under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is scheduled to discuss the proposal, with plans for the standards to apply to vehicles produced starting in December. This move aligns with international trends following recent agreements by the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations.