Japan to Revise Auto Safety Certification Standards to Allow Mass Production of Steering-Wheel-Free, Pedal-Free L4, L5 Autonomous Vehicles

On the morning of November 3, the Japanese government is considering revising automobile safety certification standards to allow autonomous vehicles without steering wheels, brake pedals, and accelerator pedals to be certified under unified standards. The new rules will cover two types of vehicles: Level 4 autonomous vehicles capable of self-driving under specific conditions, and Level 5 fully autonomous vehicles that require no human driver intervention. Previously, the Japanese government used a separate certification method involving individual safety reviews for such vehicles. A working group under Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will meet on the 4th to discuss the revision plan, with the new standards planned to apply to vehicles produced from December. Regarding safety requirements, passenger vehicles such as taxis and buses must still undergo crash tests using dummies. Freight vehicles may be exempt from this test, but manufacturers must ensure that vehicles can avoid accidents in the event of system failure. In June 2026, the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations reached an agreement on safety standards for driverless vehicles. The international standard is expected to be formally implemented in December, and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism plans to revise automobile safety standards in sync with local laws. The United States has not joined an agreement under the WP.29 framework that allows countries to mutually recognize vehicle certification results. In September 2026, Tesla began using its Level 4 driverless taxi Cybercab, which is not equipped with steering wheels or pedals, to provide passenger services. The Japanese government plans to put at least 10,000 buses and taxis with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities into road operation by fiscal year 2030.