Starting in 2029, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will require new cars to be equipped with a "pedal misapplication prevention device" to prevent sudden acceleration accidents. Electric vehicles will also be required to have an indicator that shows the remaining battery life.
On the 23rd, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it will preannounce legislation for a revision to the "Rules on the Performance and Standards of Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts" and begin collecting public comments.
Under the revision, passenger cars manufactured or imported from Jan. 2029, and vans, trucks, and special-purpose vehicles of 3.5 tons or less from 2030, must be progressively equipped with pedal misapplication prevention devices. The device detects obstacles within 1 to 1.5 meters when the vehicle is stationary and is designed to limit output even if the driver steps on the accelerator pedal suddenly. The measure aligns with international standards that Japan will implement from 2028.
For electric vehicles, installing an indicator that shows the remaining battery life will be mandatory. An official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) said, "If consumers can check the actual condition of the battery, confidence in electric vehicles will increase, and it will also help revitalize the battery remanufacturing and recycling industries in the future."
In addition, to support the eco-friendly transition of electric and hydrogen tractors, the maximum length standard for articulated vehicles will be eased from the current 16.7 meters to 19 meters. The measure takes into account structural constraints of mounting batteries and hydrogen tanks. Combining manufacturer logos with front and rear lighting devices will also be allowed to bolster brand recognition and encourage the development of new technologies.
Park Yong-seon, head of the automobile policy division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), said, "We expect this institutional improvement to strengthen public safety and protect consumer rights," adding, "We will continue to listen to industry feedback and establish safety standards that meet international norms."