The United Nations World Forum for Harmonized Automotive Standards (WP29) unanimously adopted the first universal global rule for Level 4 autonomous driving on June 24, 2026. The underlying goal is to remove the barriers of certification systems that have been different by country and to launch next-generation mobility markets such as robotaxis and unmanned logistics internationally ahead of time.

The first international standard adopted by the United Nations WP.29 and its requirements

On June 24, 2026, at the United Nations World Forum for Harmonized Automotive Standards (WP.29) held in Geneva, Switzerland, a comprehensive international standard for autonomous driving systems, including Level 4 (fully autonomous driving under specific conditions), was unanimously agreed upon,,。 This standard is expected to apply to about 50 to 60 countries, including Japan and Europe, and is scheduled to take effect around January 2027. The core of the standard lies in the basic concept of requiring “safety performance equal to or greater than that of a competent and attentive human driver,” with the following items specified as main vehicle requirements,,,。

• Compliance with traffic rules and ensuring collision avoidance capabilities

• Safe stop function in case of malfunction or outside driving conditions (ODD)

• Ensuring Cybersecurity and Regular System Updates

• Mandatory installation of a DSSAD recording and storage device for operating status

Furthermore, manufacturers are required to establish a safety management system (SMS), continuously monitor after market launch, and report accidents or malfunctions to authorities through strict organizational structures. The Level 4 safety requirements, which had previously been entrusted to each country’s own standards, have been unified internationally for the first time, laying the historic foundation for the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles across borders.

Background and Role of the Debate Led by Japan

Japan played a central role in formulating the current global common rules. Japan has played a role in steering discussions in the Autonomous Driving Subcommittee (GRVA) under WP.29, with Germany serving as chair, alongside the United States and China,,。 The Japanese government achieved the world’s first Level 3 autonomous driving production car in 2021 with the Honda Legend, and the knowledge gained from road driving and safety evaluation methods gained during that process have gained significant credibility in international discussions. Specifically, Japan actively proposes scenario-based safety evaluation methods and approaches to safety requirements, which are reflected in the framework of international standards. Moreover, this framework not only applies to the parties to the 1958 agreement, but also votes to adopt the same rules through major market countries such as the United States, Canada, and China,,。 In particular, the fact that the United States and China, leading the world in the robotaxis market, have come together on a common standard is extremely significant, and the regulatory coordination led by Japan has effectively become a global standard.

Economic and Business Impact: Mass Production Effect and Accelerated Global Expansion

One-step certification for the global market: significantly reducing development costs

With the establishment of the global common rule, the greatest business benefit enjoyed by automakers and parts manufacturers is the reduction of labor and costs in exports and imports through mutual approval. Under the framework of the 1958 agreement, autonomous vehicles certified in one contracting country can be sold in other contracting countries without additional testing or procedures. Until now, it was necessary to handle complex certification procedures tailored to each target country, resulting in enormous development costs and time lag to market that were major barriers to business, but these barriers will be significantly reduced,,。 According to estimates by Mitsubishi Research Institute, the number of Level 4 autonomous driving vehicles is expected to expand to about 10,000 units by 2030 and to about 90,000 to 160,000 units by 2040 if mass production environments are improved and vehicle costs are reduced. The establishment of international standards is expected to enable companies to develop efficient mass production plans on a global scale, and is expected to be a crucial catalyst for dramatic cost reductions through economies of scale and the early launch of the Level 4 market.

Social Implementation Potential in the Robotaxis and Logistics Sector

Level 4 international standard agreements strongly accelerate social implementation, especially in service sectors such as robotaxis and unmanned logistics. Regarding market size, the following forecasts and actual conditions have been reported,,,。

• Global Adoption of Robotaxis: Expanding from 700,000 to 3 Million Units in Major Cities by 2035

• US Market: Expected to reach 10,000 units by the end of 2026, driven by leading companies like Waymo.

• Chinese market: Baidu, Pony.ai, and others already have over 3,000 vehicles in operation.

• Growth Rate: The global Level 4 market is projected to experience rapid growth at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.2% through 2030.

Meanwhile, the logistics sector is also facing a severe shortage of drivers, with estimates predicting a shortage of about 30% of transport capacity by 2030. Realizing trunk line transport using unmanned trucks has become an urgent task. In Japan, Isuzu Motors and T2 plan to start Level 4 trunk transport for large trucks in fiscal year 2027, and this agreement will accelerate global competition in these commercial services on a common benchmark. Please refer to the diagram below. 。

System Design and Future Challenges: Japan’s Efforts Toward Implementation in 2027

Roadmap for Reflection in Domestic Law and Implementation of Social Rules

Following the adoption of international standards, the Japanese government is intensifying efforts to incorporate it into domestic legislation, aiming for its effective effect in January 2027. The Digital Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism are working through the “Subworking Group on the Social Rules for Autonomous Vehicles in the AI Era” to concretize and quantify safety standards and clarify the interpretation of the Road Traffic Act,,。 Especially at Level 4, since the driver is absent, it is necessary to meticulously organize operational compliance matters such as procedures for moving vehicles according to police instructions in emergencies and reporting systems in case of accidents. Additionally, in fiscal 2025, pilot tests for autonomous truck priority lanes on the Shin-Tomei Expressway and pilot tests of road-vehicle coordination systems on general roads are planned across all prefectures, with infrastructure support also being strengthened,,。 The government has set a goal to introduce 10,000 autonomous driving service vehicles by 2030, aiming to realize sustainable mobility and logistics services by combining Japan’s unique advanced infrastructure and operational systems on the foundation of global common rules,,。

Responsibility Allocation in the Event of Accidents and Updates to the Non-Life Insurance System

The biggest issue in future dissemination is the system of civil liability and compensation for damages in the event of an accident. Under the current legal framework, even for autonomous driving up to Level 4, the policy is to maintain the traditional operator responsibility imposed on vehicle owners and others. However, in accidents involving unmanned driving without human involvement, it becomes difficult to identify responsible parties or negligence, making it essential to establish a rapid disclosure scheme for data recorded on vehicles. In response, the non-life insurance industry is promoting the spread of victim relief cost compensation riders that can quickly assist victims even in accidents caused by hacking or system defects, aiming for insurance to function as an effective social infrastructure even in the era of autonomous driving. Furthermore, to expedite cause investigation, consideration is underway to establish an independent accident investigation agency specializing in autonomous vehicles within the Transport Safety Commission within fiscal year 2025. As technology evolves, how to align legal practice with technical requirements—such as the scope of product liability (PL) law and responsibility sharing with software vendors—will be key to future social acceptance,,。

[#自動運転 #レベル4 #WP29 #ロボタクシー #物流クライシス #損害保険 #日本主導 #CASE]