Japan: Approved automated driving vehicles under the Road Traffic Act

On 30 March 2023, the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) announced the approval of automated driving vehicles as automated operation level 4 systems under the Road Traffic Act. From 30 March 2023, level 4 automated driving vehicles, which do not require a driver on board, will be able to operate in the city of Eiheiji in Fukui Prefecture in Japan and will undergo testing under specific conditions. This step aligns with Japan's goal of introducing innovative mobility solutions and reducing the burden on human drivers.