TIER IV has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a permit for Level 4 autonomous driving operations in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture. The permit, granted in collaboration with local government and service operators, allows for fully autonomous driving under predefined conditions and marks a major step in advancing autonomous mobility solutions.
The company received Level 4 certification under the Road Transport Vehicle Act in October 2024, and the new permit issued under the Road Traffic Act allows the Minibus to operate on public roads. This includes shared spaces with pedestrians and general traffic, running between Shiojiri Station and Shiojiri City Hall.
Since 2020, TIER IV has worked with various partners to conduct proof-of-concept tests for autonomous driving technology, aiming to address transportation challenges such as driver shortages and develop innovative mobility services. With the newly granted permit, TIER IV plans to implement a Level 4 autonomous driving system that can manage all driving tasks independently under specified conditions.
“We are excited about the opportunity to demonstrate the potential of autonomous driving in addressing critical transportation challenges, such as driver shortages, and to offer transformative solutions to communities,” stated a TIER IV representative.
