Japan Grants First Regulatory Approval for Honda Level 3 Self-Driving Tech
Japan officially approves Honda's Level 3 autonomous driving system, allowing the vehicle to take full control in heavy expressway traffic. The automaker plans to release this technology in the Honda Legend before the fiscal year ends.
Honda receives official type designation for Level 3 autonomous driving from the Japanese government, marking a major milestone for the auto industry. This approval allows the automated driving system to take full control of the vehicle instead of the driver under specific conditions, such as navigating congested traffic on an expressway.
The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism makes this approval possible by partially amending the Road Vehicle Act, a legal update that takes effect on April 1. Through this amendment, Level 3 automated driving equipment officially joins the list of motor vehicle equipment subject to national safety standards.
Honda prepares to bring this newly approved technology to consumers by launching sales of a equipped Honda Legend before the end of the current fiscal year. This historic move positions Honda as a pioneer in the commercialization of Level 3 autonomous vehicles.