Vehicle Safety

  • Seatbelts:

Seatbelts for all passengers are mandatory in Japan.

​

  • Using a booster seat for a child

Children under 6 are required to use a booster seat inside a vehicle.

​

  • Children raising their hand in the air around a crossing

If you see Japanese children raising their hand or palm in the air around a pedestrian crossing, it means they intend to cross the crossing. Please prepare to stop.

​

  • NEVER drink and drive

Japan has a zero-tolerance policy towards drink-driving, penalty on DUI offense is always heavy.

​

  • NEVER use a mobile phone while driving

As of Dec.1, 2019, Japan tightend the regulations on the use of mobile phones while driving. Drivers of standard vehicles found using smartphones or mobile phones while driving will face a fine of 18,000yen, a threefold increase from the previouse levy.

  • Tailgating/reckless driving

Tailingating and threatening other drivers are extremely malicious and dangerous behaviors that can lead to serious traffic accidents.

When driving a car, drive at a safe speed and keep a safe distance from other drivers, and never brake unnecessarily or change lane unreasonably.

In order to prevent malicious and dangerous driving, the Japanese police is actively enforcing traffic laws such as a law that prohibits cars from not keeping a safe distance, a law that prohibits sudden lane changes, and a law that prohibits sudden braking, etc.

The drivers, whose driving behavior is found to be malicious, will be subject to revcation of the driver's license.

What to do in case of an accident

  • Call 110 (Police)

The operator will connect you to an English speaking staff on duty, will arrange to facilitate communication in English.

  • Follow the guidance, provide the following information on the phone

          - Driver’s name, contact details (eg. Cellphone number)
          - Location of the accident (e.g. name of the city, what shops you can see, etc.)
          - Nature of the accident (e.g. if anyone injured etc.)

  • Call your insurance company immediately.

We advise you buy insurance from a company that has multi-lingual support

  • Exchange contacts with the other party involved in the accident (if any)

After the police has filed an accident report, make sure to exchange contact information with the other party if there's any.

  • [Information to share] Name, phone number, license plate information, insurance company's name and their contact info

 

  • Never leave the scene of an accident until the police has authorized you to do so.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime for which you may be prosecuted.

  • If you are taken to a hospital by ambulance and need an interpreter, please call OIST Help Line 098-966-8989.

 

[Below] Infomation on Drink and drive

​

  • When caused an accident resulting a death or injury of person, by driving under influence of alcohol, drugs etc. 　

Death: Up to 20 years in Prison 

Injury:  Up to 15 years in Prison