Tier IV has secured a new permit that will allow it to carry out Level 4 autonomous driving operations in the city of Shiojiri, located in Nagano Prefecture. The autonomous driving technology company highlighted that the issuing of this permit was made possible through its collaboration with the local government and service operators.

The news follows Tier IV receiving Level 4 certification under Japan’s Road Transport Vehicle Act in October 2024, the same law that allowed the new permit to be issued. Through the permit, itself, Tier IV can deploy a SAE Level 4 autonomous driving system on Shiojiri streets that can independently manage all dynamic driving tasks under predefined conditions.

The upcoming tests set to take place in Shiojiri will utilize Tier IV’s Minibus, which will operate on public roads among pedestrians and general traffic and run between Shiojiri Station and Shiojiri City Hall. Through these tests, and others being conducted by Tier IV, the company is ultimately looking to address and resolve transportation challenges facing Japan, including driver shortages.