Social Transformation and Policy Issues Identified by MLIT Headquarters for Realizing an Autonomous Driving Society

The government of Japan is seeking to advance initiatives aimed at accelerating the deployment of autonomous driving technologies. On 22 January 2026, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) established the “MLIT Headquarters for Realizing an Autonomous Driving Society” (the “Headquarters”). The Headquarters has been considering policy responses to the social transformation brought about by the wider deployment of autonomous driving. At the third meeting held on 8 June 2026, the Headquarters outlined the social transformations and policy challenges associated with the adoption of autonomous driving, as well as measures for its early implementation (the Headquarters materials (in Japanese)).

At the third meeting, MLIT discussed a future autonomous driving society in which Level 4 autonomous driving is expected to become mainstream in public transportation, Level 4 autonomous driving is expected to become mainstream for long-distance trucks on highways, and Level 2++ or higher automated driving is expected to become mainstream for private passenger vehicles. MLIT assumes that several potential benefits of autonomous driving, including improved access to mobility, smoother traffic flows, more efficient operations through 24-hour service and centralized fleet management, and improved safety through the reduction of human error will materialize.

MLIT also emphasized that the government will play an essential role in realizing such a society. Wider deployment of autonomous driving is expected to transform daily life, the economy and industrial structures. As a result, MLIT calls for medium- to long-term consideration of the necessary institutional and environmental arrangements, rather than treating autonomous driving solely as a vehicle technology issue.

The policy issues identified by MLIT are broad. In regional areas, autonomous driving is expected to contribute to maintaining mobility services where passenger demand is limited and driver shortages are severe. In urban areas, policy attention may be required to address potential oversupply, increased road-traffic burden and the optimal allocation of roles among different mobility modes. MLIT also identifies the need to revisit the boundaries among buses, taxis, rental cars and other services as autonomous driving spreads, and clarify the roles of public transport operators and vehicle manufacturers. It is also necessary to consider the legal position of app providers connecting users and service operators, and address the efficiency and safety of autonomous long-distance trucking. Other issues include more advanced use of road shoulders, automation of road maintenance, and the use of vehicle data for road management, accident analysis and traffic information collection.

MLIT’s materials set out seven near-term policy measures to accelerate the realization of an autonomous driving society. These measures are (i) the expanded adoption of Level 2++ vehicles, (ii) the development of road environments that contribute to safety and efficiency of mobility, (iii) urban planning to support autonomous driving, (iv) the use of autonomous driving to address transportation blank areas and tourism mobility needs, (v) measures to improve social acceptance, (vi) support for the social implementation of autonomous driving trucks, and (vii) promotion of autonomous driving across multiple transportation modes, including vehicles used at airports and ports.

Among these measures, the proposed excellence certification system for Level 2++ vehicles are particularly noteworthy. According to the MLIT materials, domestic Level 2++ vehicles that may lead to future Level 4 vehicles are expected to be commercialized in FY2027, and MLIT is considering a certification framework and related policy package to promote their development and enhance public acceptance.

MLIT intends to secure the necessary government budget for the next fiscal year and put in place the necessary supporting arrangements to further accelerate the social implementation of autonomous driving. The Headquarters is expected to continue monitoring technological and industry developments, as well as the progress of MLIT’s policy initiatives and legislative measures. The next meeting of the Headquarters is expected to be held around December 2026.