Japan MLIT Accelerates Autonomous Vehicle Safety Certification Toward Zero Fatal Accidents by 2035

Japan is preparing to strengthen its vehicle safety framework as autonomous driving technologies continue to evolve rapidly across the automotive industry. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has drafted a new technical safety report focused on reducing road fatalities involving newly introduced vehicle models. The Ministry aims to achieve zero fatal accidents involving new vehicles by approximately 2035 through the expansion of certification and inspection systems tailored for autonomous mobility technologies.

The draft report identifies autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems as central pillars of the country’s future transportation safety strategy. According to the Ministry, autonomous driving technologies are considered essential for building a transportation environment with significantly fewer traffic accidents. Authorities emphasized the importance of adapting vehicle safety regulations to support advanced autonomous systems, including vehicles capable of operating without human drivers under specific conditions.

MLIT Focuses on New Certification and Inspection Systems

Japan’s MLIT plans to accelerate discussions surrounding the establishment of updated vehicle certification and examination frameworks. These systems are expected to incorporate new evaluation standards specifically designed for autonomous vehicles and emerging mobility technologies. The proposed framework will help authorities assess the operational safety, reliability, and compliance of increasingly sophisticated autonomous systems before commercial deployment.

The Ministry also indicated that it will examine the possible introduction of vehicle assessment programs for commercial vehicles. This initiative could expand existing safety evaluation mechanisms beyond passenger vehicles and support broader implementation of advanced safety technologies across logistics and commercial transportation sectors. The proposal reflects growing recognition of the role commercial fleets may play in future autonomous transportation ecosystems.

Japan’s Autonomous Vehicle Safety Targets

The draft safety roadmap outlines the government’s broader objective of reducing serious road incidents through regulatory modernization and technology adoption. Authorities believe that enhanced vehicle intelligence, combined with updated certification standards, can contribute substantially to accident prevention. The Ministry highlighted the need to revise current safety regulations so they can appropriately address the operational characteristics and risks associated with unmanned vehicle technologies.

MLIT also confirmed plans to continue discussions regarding certification and examination systems utilizing newly developed evaluation standards. These standards are expected to support the safe introduction of advanced autonomous vehicles while ensuring regulatory consistency across future vehicle platforms and mobility solutions.

Key Elements of Japan’s Autonomous Safety Strategy

• Target of zero fatal accidents involving new vehicle models by around 2035
• Expansion of certification and inspection systems for autonomous vehicles
• Revision of safety standards for unmanned vehicle operations
• Consideration of vehicle assessment programs for commercial vehicles
• Development of new evaluation standards for advanced autonomous technologies
• Government-backed certification system for Level 2++ driver assistance technologies by 2026

Level 2++ Driver Assistance Certification Planned by 2026

To support the wider adoption of advanced driver assistance technologies, the Ministry intends to utilize a new certification system targeted for implementation by the end of 2026. The framework will focus on “Level 2++” advanced driver assistance technologies, which represent enhanced assisted driving functions that still require driver supervision while enabling more advanced operational capabilities.

The planned certification structure is expected to play a significant role in accelerating the deployment of next-generation safety technologies across the automotive market. By establishing clearer regulatory pathways and evaluation mechanisms, the government aims to improve public confidence in advanced driving technologies while maintaining high safety standards for future vehicle platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Japan’s goal for autonomous vehicle safety?
Japan aims to achieve zero fatal accidents involving newly introduced vehicle models by around 2035. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism plans to strengthen vehicle safety regulations, inspection frameworks, and certification systems for autonomous technologies. The initiative focuses heavily on autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems to improve road safety. Authorities also intend to revise safety standards for unmanned vehicles and establish updated evaluation methods that can support the safe deployment of advanced autonomous mobility solutions across passenger and commercial vehicle segments.

What is the Level 2++ certification system planned by MLIT?
The Level 2++ certification system is a proposed regulatory framework designed to evaluate advanced driver assistance technologies in Japan. The government aims to establish this certification mechanism by the end of 2026 to support safer deployment of next-generation assisted driving systems. These technologies allow vehicles to perform more advanced driving functions while still requiring driver supervision. The certification structure will help standardize safety evaluations, improve compliance monitoring, and create clearer approval pathways for automakers developing advanced autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle technologies.