Ministry Announces Legislative Notice for Amendment to Automobile and Parts Performance and Standards Regulations
Starting in 2029, all new passenger cars and small trucks sold will be equipped with a device to prevent pedal misoperation. Additionally, a system to check the remaining lifespan of electric vehicle batteries will be introduced.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it will begin a two-month legislative notice period for a proposed amendment to the regulations on the performance and standards of automobiles and automobile parts, starting October 24. Mandatory installation will apply to passenger cars from January 2029, and to vans, trucks, and special vehicles weighing 3.5 tons or less from January 2030.
The ministry explained that the implementation timeline was determined by considering the establishment of international standards for pedal misoperation prevention devices in June, Japan’s decision to make such devices mandatory for domestic vehicles from September 2028 and for imported vehicles from September 2029, as well as the current state of technological development.
The pedal misoperation prevention device must be capable of limiting output if the driver suddenly accelerates while the vehicle is stationary and an obstacle (such as a stopped vehicle or fixed wall) is detected within 1 to 1.5 meters in front or behind the vehicle. This requirement is at the same technical level as the international standard.
A vehicle involved in an accident last July near the intersection by Seoul City Hall Station. The driver of the vehicle, which caused casualties at the time, claimed sudden unintended acceleration, but the prosecution judged it as pedal misoperation and sent the case to trial. Photo by Yonhap News
The battery lifespan display system is being introduced in response to increasing consumer demand for information about battery performance. The ability to accurately check battery lifespan is expected to boost consumer confidence in electric vehicles and contribute to the development of the used battery industry.
The ministry will also relax the length limit for electric and hydrogen-powered articulated vehicles (tractors) to 19 meters to support the commercialization of eco-friendly large vehicles. This decision reflects feedback from the field that, due to the placement of batteries or hydrogen pressure vessels, such vehicles often exceed the current length limit of 16.7 meters.
Additionally, the ministry will allow automakers to incorporate their brand logos into the front and rear lighting devices of vehicles, supporting both brand recognition and the development of new technologies. Park Yongseon, Director of the Automobile Policy Division at the ministry, stated, "We will actively listen to industry suggestions and strive to establish safety standards that harmonize with international regulations."
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