Will a fully autonomous, driverless car (Level 5) be legally permitted to operate without a safety driver on any public road in Japan before the end of the 2028 calendar year?

Japan Legally Approves Level 5 Autonomy by 2028

This prediction targets the legal allowance for a **fully autonomous, driverless vehicle (Level 5)** to operate on public roads in Japan *without a safety driver* before the end of 2028.

Regulatory Push and Robotic Ambition

The majority **'Yes'** vote is supported by Japan's proactive stance on robotic and self-driving technology. The Japanese government is highly motivated to deploy autonomous services, especially to combat labor shortages and serve aging rural populations. While full Level 5 (anywhere, any conditions) is difficult globally, Japan has historically set aggressive timelines for highly restricted, driverless zones (like specific commercial routes or designated city loops). This regulatory push, coupled with domestic automotive giants (Toyota, Honda) and robotics research, makes the necessary legal framework for some Level 5 operation likely by the 2028 deadline.