Guidelines for the Disciplined Deployment of Level 4 Automated Driving Vehicles
In fiscal year 2025, as the social implementation of automated driving vehicles accelerated, the International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS) launched a research project led by Professor Takeyoshi Imai of Hosei University Graduate School of Law. We are pleased to announce the publication of these Guidelines, designed to clarify safety standards and the allocation of liability (civil, administrative and criminal) to enhance social trust and acceptance.
Project Outcome: IATSS 2520A
These Guidelines have been formulated considering the perspectives of users, manufacturers, service providers, and administrative authorities, while also keeping an eye on international trends.
| Project Leader | Takeyoshi Imai (Professor, Hosei University Graduate School of Law / Attorney at Law) |
| Project Members | IATSS 2520A Project Team |
| Publisher | International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS) |
| Publication Date | March 5, 2026 |
| Format / Pages | A4 / 83 Pages (Bilingual: Japanese & English) |
Background and Objectives
While Level 4 automated driving eliminates the need for a human driver, there remains the risk of accidents involving other traffic participants. The unanswered questions on how and to whom liability should be allocated in various cases where no human drivers exist may inhibit technological development which would otherwise contribute to maximizing social benefits. These Guidelines therefore aim to provide a framework to answer such questions.
Table of Contents
- - Preface
- - 1. Purpose of Drafting and Publishing the Guidelines
- - 2. Fundamental Concepts Behind the Guidelines
- - 3.Guidelines (Operationalization) - Explanation of Individual Backgrounds
- - Guidelines (Article Text)
- (Bilingual Edition: Japanese and English)
Download Guidelines
| Full Text (English Version) | PDF 7.5MB |
| Bilingual Edition (Japanese & English) | PDF 9.2MB |