Search Results

The situation regarding the occurrence of road traffic accidents in Japan remains serious. In order to manage the situation, Japan is actively implementing initiatives to improve motor vehicle safety such as Cycle of Motor Vehicle Traffic Safety Measures, System of Survey/Study of Road traffic accidents, Establishment/Revision of Safety Regulations, Development of New Technology and Encouragement of Practical Application and NCAP, and promoting the international harmonization of motor vehicle regulations and the mutual recognition of certification.

The rapidly growing motorization in Japan brought serious problems of motor vehicle pollution. The legislation for the motor vehicle emission control of carbon monoxide(CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) has been intensified step by step since 1966, and the emission control of in-use vehicles started in 1970. Taxes on motor vehicles also had been reduced for the purpose of wide use of low-polution vehicles which comply with regulations in advance. The development of polution-free- or alternative-fuel-vehicles (low/zero emission vehicles such as hybrid-engine vehicle, compressed natural gas vehicle, methanol vehicle, electric vehicle, etc.) will be promoted for the future.

Japanese safety standards are specified by the Safety Regulations and relevant Circular Notices. MOT had revised the standards according to the first program plan for safety of 1972. Future revisions will be made according to the second program plan issued in 1980. The main emphasis will be laid down on measures for high speed driving, measures to prevent fire and safety measures for trucks. MOT will also seek the way to harmonize its standards with the UN ECE Regulations through positive participation to HP 29 of ECE. Efforts for world-wide harmonization will be made by MOT.