Japan Won't Allow Testing of Fully Autonomous Cars On Public Roads
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
May 28, 2016, 10:42 PM
Key Highlights
- All autonomous car tests should be made with a driver behind the wheel
- Vehicles testing on public roads need to be equipped with a black box
- A panel of experts will be established to make legislative changes
While the Japanese government is supportive of self-driving cars and the associated technology, it has also made it clear that the much talked about fully autonomous vehicles will not be tested on public roads in the country. As per reports in the Japanese media, the land of the rising sun has established guidelines published by the local National Police Agency (NPA) stating that all tests on public roads should be made with a driver behind the wheel.
The move is to avoid a mishap and the driver will be ready to take control of the vehicle in case of possible a malfunction. The said person will also have to ensure safety and comply with traffic laws during his stint behind the autonomous vehicle. Furthermore, the Japanese government has stated that fully autonomous cars will have to be equipped with black boxes, like those in air crafts, which will record data that will be analyzed in case of an accident. This will determine as to what caused the accident and what steps need to be taken before test drives of autonomous vehicles resume.
A panel of experts will also be established by Japan's National Police Agency. The experts will analyze the possible legislative reforms in regard to the new technology with topics ranging from who would be legally responsible in case of an accident as well as establishing anti-hacking measurements. The panel will also discuss on how the driver's license system for self-driving cars will be modified.
The Japanese government has developed a classification system for semi and fully automated cars. The classification system is divided in four levels with Level 4 including fully automated functions without the need of human involvement; whereas Level 3 includes having limited self-driving capabilities where the car is largely driven by the autonomous technology but the driver can take control, should it be necessary. Level 2 involves multiple automated functions such as steering, acceleration and control, and Level 1 includes those cars with limited automated functions.
The move is to avoid a mishap and the driver will be ready to take control of the vehicle in case of possible a malfunction. The said person will also have to ensure safety and comply with traffic laws during his stint behind the autonomous vehicle. Furthermore, the Japanese government has stated that fully autonomous cars will have to be equipped with black boxes, like those in air crafts, which will record data that will be analyzed in case of an accident. This will determine as to what caused the accident and what steps need to be taken before test drives of autonomous vehicles resume.
A panel of experts will also be established by Japan's National Police Agency. The experts will analyze the possible legislative reforms in regard to the new technology with topics ranging from who would be legally responsible in case of an accident as well as establishing anti-hacking measurements. The panel will also discuss on how the driver's license system for self-driving cars will be modified.
The Japanese government has developed a classification system for semi and fully automated cars. The classification system is divided in four levels with Level 4 including fully automated functions without the need of human involvement; whereas Level 3 includes having limited self-driving capabilities where the car is largely driven by the autonomous technology but the driver can take control, should it be necessary. Level 2 involves multiple automated functions such as steering, acceleration and control, and Level 1 includes those cars with limited automated functions.
You might also be interested to see the price of the best cars in India:
Renault Kwid, Honda City, Maruti Swift, Hyundai Elite i20, Maruti Baleno, Alto 800, Renault Duster, Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Swift Dzire, Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra XUV500
Related News
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | Feb 24, 20262026 KTM 250 Duke, 200 Duke Updated With New Colour OptionsThe 250 Duke gets two new colour options while the 200 Duke gets one.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Feb 24, 2026Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Debuts In India: Bookings Open March 10This is the first time the CLA nameplate will be offered in an electric derivative with the EV claimed to offer 792km WLTP range.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Feb 24, 2026Jeep Wrangler Willys 41 Special Edition Reintroduced: Priced At Rs 70.31 LakhThe Wrangler in this edition wears a military green paint scheme and is limited to just 41 units across India.1 min read
Jafar Rizvi | Feb 24, 2026New-Gen Toyota Fortuner Spied For The First TimeThe existing Toyota Fortuner has completed nearly a decade in India, and we could expect the new-gen SUV to make its India debut in 2027.3 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 23, 2026Skoda Kushaq Facelift Production Commences Ahead Of LaunchThe facelifted Kushaq made its global debut last month with deliveries set to commence from March 2026.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 23, 20262026 Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander Launched At Rs 21.05 Lakh; Gets Automatic Gearbox Option, More FeaturesThe Hi-Lander continues to only be offered in 4x2 spec, but now packs in similar features as the base-spec V-Cross.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Feb 24, 2026Hero Destini 110 Review: Simplicity, RefinedThe Hero Destini 110 is a no-nonsense commuter that is simple, comfortable and above all, fuel efficient. In 2026, when buyers are spoilt for choice, is it good enough to consider?1 min read
Preetam Bora | Feb 23, 2026TVS Apache RTX Road Test Review: Redefining the Entry-Level ADVAfter spending some time with the TVS Apache RTX in traffic, the daily commute, as well as on open highways, one thing becomes clear: the RTX is trying to redefine the entry-level ADV segment. But is it without fault?1 min read
Girish Karkera | Feb 20, 2026Road Test: 2025 VinFast VF7 AWD Sky InfinityFlagship all-electric SUV from the Vietnamese car maker gets most of the basics right.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 18, 2026New BMW X3 30 Vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: Midsize Luxury SUV FaceoffWith the new X3 30, BMW has a direct competitor to the petrol GLC 300, but which is the luxury SUV for you?1 min read
Jafar Rizvi | Feb 15, 2026Maruti Suzuki Victoris: Long-Term Review - Report 1The Victoris is Maruti’s latest offering for the Indian market, and after spending some time with it, here are a few early impressions.1 min read