The Japanese government announced new legislation making it compulsory for new and updated vehicle models sold in the country by domestic brands to be fitted with automatic brakes from November 2021.

Domestic brand models already on sale will need to be fitted with automatic brake systems from December 2025.

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The ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism said the legislation was designed to help improve road safety in response to an increase in road accidents involving elderly drivers.

Transport minister Kazuyoshi Akaba said at a press conference an increase in accidents involving the elderly have created a "pressing issue that needs to be addressed by any means available".

Over 80% of domestic vehicles sold in Japan were already fitted with automatic brakes in 2018, according to the ministry. These systems rely on front-mounted radars and cameras to detect and monitor vehicles and objects ahead and alert the driver of any dangers before intervening automatically.

Imports by foreign automakers, which account for a very small proportion of vehicle sold in Japan, have been given more time. New models will need to be fitted with automated brakes from mid 2024 and existing models by mid 2026.

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Stricter standards also will be applied from January 2020 on automatic brake systems that are already compatible with UN international standards specified by a committee of the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations in June 2019.

Vehicles traveling at 40km/h (25mph) will need to be able to prevent collisions with stationary vehicles ahead and at 30km/h (20mph) prevent hitting a pedestrian crossing the road.

Akaba warned against over reliance on automatic brake systems, however, and underlined the need for careful driving.