The motor vehicle rulemaking procedure of the Japanese Department of Transportation, and the inspection of new and in-use vehicles in Japan are outlined. The Japanese Safety Regulation, Inspection Standard, and Type Test Standard for motor vehicles are explained, with particular reference to commercial vehicle brakes. The Japanese Automobile Standard Organization (JASO), counterpart of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), is described, and its brake standards are discussed. Comparisons are made of the requirements of the following brake regulations/standards for trucks, trailers, and buses: Japanese Safety Regulation, Inspection Standard, and Type Test; JASO; SAE; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard; and Economic Commission for Europe. Trends in Japanese commercial vehicles and their brakes are indicated; examples are given (including illustrations) of Japanese truck brakes (drum, disc, parking wedge) and components (actuators for air-over-hydraulic and antiskid brakes, load-sensing valve).
Abstract