Honda receives type designation for level 3 automated driving

Honda has gained approval for a Level 3 automated driving system after receiving the required type designation from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

This permits Honda's 'Traffic Jam Pilot' automated driving system to be implemented in mass-production vehicles for use at speeds of up to 50km/h on public highways in Japan. Level 3 automated driving systems take control of the car from the driver under certain conditions.

The latest generation of the Honda Legend, due to launch by Spring next year, will be the first vehicle to deploy Level 3 automated driving capabilities for use on public highways.

When activated by the driver, Honda's 'Traffic Jam Pilot' technology monitors traffic conditions on the highway and takes control of the car from the driver if it determines that it is safe to do so. It enables the car to follow the vehicle in front and stay in its lane without any input from the driver.

The system is required to monitor the highway conditions on a continuous basis and can only be active at speeds up to 50km/h. When the system determines that it cannot continue to operate safely, a warning is issued, and the driver must take over control of the vehicle immediately.

The technology is part of Honda's suite of safety systems and takes a step further towards Honda's ambition of a collision-free society by supporting the driver and reducing the number of accidents and collisions caused by human error.

Honda's leading Level 3 automated driving technology complements the advanced Level 1 and Level 2 driver assist technology, including its Honda Sensing suite of active and passive safety systems, already applied to current Honda models.

The Level 3 type designation allows Honda to shift smoothly between manual and autonomous driving to create a comfortable and natural driving experience, while securing occupant safety.