For First-Time Users
About Traffic Rules & Drunk Driving
Traffic Rules & Important Notes
Violations Related to Traffic Signals & Stop Signs
Proceeding on a red light is prohibited
At a STOP sign, a complete stop is mandatory
If pedestrians are present, you must stop at crosswalks
A stop means a complete stop, not just slowing down
Drunk Driving & Drug Use
Drunk driving is absolutely
prohibited in Japan.
The legal threshold for drunk driving in Japan is a breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 mg/L or a blood alcohol concentration of 0.3 mg/mL. Exceeding these levels constitutes alcohol-impaired driving.
Refrain from driving even if you only consumed small amounts of alcohol
Passengers and vehicle providers are also subject to penalties
Legal Consequences (license revocation, imprisonment, heavy fines)
- 0.15–0.25mg/L: 13 demerit points,
90-day license suspension - Over 0.25mg/L: 25 demerit points, license revocation (2-year disqualification)
- Penalties include imprisonment and fines
"Just a little" or "I only drank yesterday" is not accepted.
Mobile Phone / Smartphone Use
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
If you violate the rules, penalties (fines and demerit points) will be imposed. If you cause an accident, you may face heavier penalties (imprisonment or fines) and your license may be suspended.
Calls, operation, and screen viewing are all prohibited
Not allowed even while stopped or waiting at signals
Violation results in fines and demerit points
Using a smartphone while driving is prohibited.
If violated, fines and demerit points will be imposed, and in serious cases your license may be suspended.
Operate the navigation system only after safely stopping.
Seat Belts & Child Seats
Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all seats.
Rental car insurance: If you cause an accident while not wearing a seatbelt, the rental car company's insurance or compensation may not apply or may be limited.
Driver's seat, front passenger seat, and rear seats
— all are subject to this rule.
Children under 6 must use
a child seat
In violation, the driver is subject to penalty
Penalty for not wearing a seatbelt while driving: 1 demerit point will be added, but there is no fine or penalty fee. However, this demerit point may affect the color of your driver's license (e.g., Gold License) at your next license renewal.
No exceptions, even for taxis or short distances.
Speeding & Aggressive Driving
Speed limit violations are strictly enforced.
In particular, exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h or more on regular roads, or by 40 km/h or more on expressways is treated as a criminal offense rather than a standard traffic violation and may result in fines or imprisonment. It may also lead to immediate license suspension.
Follow posted
speed limit signs
Even a small amount of speeding may be considered a violation.
Speeding less than 30 km/h over the speed limit (less than 40 km/h on expressways):
Traffic fine (blue ticket) and demerit points (about 1–3 points).
The fine increases depending on how much you exceed the limit.
- Speeding 30 km/h or more over the speed limit (40 km/h or more on expressways):
- Demerit points: 6 points (license suspension for 30 days even with no prior violations).
- Criminal penalty: up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥100,000 (red ticket, criminal procedure).
- Speeding 50 km/h or more over the speed limit: 12 demerit points (license suspension for 90 days even with no prior violations), and heavier penalties are more likely to be imposed.
Aggressive driving is a serious offense
Aggressive driving (tailgating or obstructive driving) is a serious violation in which a driver intentionally harasses or performs dangerous actions toward other drivers. Examples include not keeping a safe following distance, sudden acceleration or braking, unnecessary use of the horn, forcing another vehicle aside, and illegal overtaking.
In Japan, "keeping up with the traffic flow" is not considered a valid reason.
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