Japan Mandates Driver Monitoring Systems in New Cars by 2031

In a bid to combat rising road accidents linked to distracted driving, Japan is set to enforce new regulations requiring driver monitoring systems (DMS) in all new vehicles sold from September 2031. This initiative, spearheaded by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, is a direct response to increasing incidents of mobile phone use while driving.

The upcoming ordinance will mandate that existing car models also incorporate DMS by 2033. According to Shinji Morokawa, a transport ministry official, the move aligns with recent international regulations aimed at enhancing road safety.

The DMS will utilize cameras and sensors to track driver attention, sounding alarms if drivers divert their gaze for specific durations. Notably, if a driver looks down for more than 3.5 seconds at speeds above 50 km/h, or for six seconds between 20 and 50 km/h, they will receive a warning. Furthermore, the system will monitor eyelid movement and steering behavior for signs of drowsiness at speeds between 70 km/h and 130 km/h.

With companies like Toyota and Subaru already implementing DMS in higher-end models, the additional cost for cars lacking the feature is about ¥100,000 ($630). This proactive approach reflects a global trend, as similar mandates have surfaced in the European Union, aimed at reducing fatalities linked to driver distraction.

Source: www.japantimes.co.jp