In Japan, every motor vehicle must pass an inspection by the Ministry of Transport to ensure that they conform with the Safety Regulations for Road Vehicles before they are allowed to operate on the roads. Since detailed technical inspection on all items is impossible, a type approval system has been established in which the inspection of each type of motor vehicle is performed collectively. This system consists of the type designation system for mass-produced vehicles and the type notification system for the non-mass-produced vehicles. There is also a type approval system for devices of motor vehicles to ensure that the inspection is conducted efficiently. The type designation system ensures conformity with Safety Regulations as well as uniformity. The conduct of this system is briefly outlined. The type notification system obliges a manufacturer to notify the Minister of Transport before manufacture or sale of the new type of vehicle. Under the type approval system for motor vehicle devices, manufacturers can obtain type approval of vehicles on noise, exhaust emission control devices, and other safety devices. All motor vehicles are designated by type (construction, use, shape, etc.). This article also lists the documents and motor vehicles to be submitted at time of application, the judgement criteria of technical examination and method of testing, test items for inspection of submitted motor vehicles, the special treatment of imported motor vehicles, and test facilities.
Samenvatting