Japan (JP)
Japan is one of the world's most captivating destinations for expats — a country where ancient temple culture and ultra-modern technology coexist seamlessly.
Driving in Japan
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Japan drives on the left with right-hand-drive vehicles. Roads are generally excellent, well-signed, and safe. Expressways (高速道路) are toll-based. City driving can be challenging due to narrow roads and complex intersections. Japan has one of the strictest drink-driving laws in the world (0.03% BAC) — passengers in a drunk-driver's vehicle can also face penalties. An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows driving for up to 1 year from entry. After 1 year of residency, you must exchange your foreign licence at a Licence Centre (運転免許センター). Enforcement is moderate but penalties are severe. Traffic congestion in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya is significant during rush hours.
Driving Licence Exchange
Foreign driving licences are valid with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 1 year from the date of entry into Japan. After establishing residence for 1 year, you must obtain a Japanese licence. The exchange process and requirements vary significantly by country of origin. Certain countries (primarily EU/EEA, UK, Australia, Canada, NZ, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland) benefit from a simplified "direct exchange" — translation, vision test, and fee only. Most other countries must complete a written test and/or practical driving test (路上試験). The test can be taken in Japanese or English at major licence centres.
Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary
Simplified exchange (書き換え / kakikae): 1. Obtain a certified Japanese translation of your licence from JAF (Japan Automobile Federation, ¥3,000). 2. Book appointment at your prefectural Licence Centre (運転免許センター) — bring original licence, translation, passport, Zairyu card, proof of address, and 1 photo. 3. Pay fee (¥4,000–5,000). 4. Pass a vision and colour test on-site. 5. Receive Japanese licence same day (in most cases). No written or practical test required.
The licence must be verified as genuine by the Licence Centre — allow extra time if issued in a language other than English. You must have held your foreign licence for at least 3 months before exchange. If your licence was obtained in fewer than 3 months of living in the issuing country, additional documentation proving prior residence is required.
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, United States
UK, Australia, NZ, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland: simplified exchange (same process as EU/EEA — JAF translation + vision test, no theory or practical test). United States: most US state licences require an additional 10-question theory test (学科試験, 90% pass mark) in Japanese or English at the Licence Centre. Some states may qualify for simplified exchange — confirm with your prefectural Licence Centre before attending.
US applicants who fail the theory test 3 times, or who are required to take a practical test (路上試験), face the full circuit test — which has a notoriously low first-time pass rate. Consider lessons at a 自動車教習所 (driving school) before attempting.
Countries not on the bilateral exchange list (most of Asia, Africa, South America, and most of the Middle East): must complete the full exchange — JAF translation + vision test + 10-question theory test (学科試験, 90% pass mark) + practical test (技能試験) on a dedicated circuit course. The practical test uses highly specific evaluation criteria — mirror-checking at exact moments, precise stopping distances. Many applicants take 5–10+ attempts. Alternatively, completing a full course at a certified 自動車教習所 (driving school, ¥200,000–350,000) and passing their internal test issues a licence without the Licence Centre circuit test.
You may continue driving on your IDP for up to 1 year from entry — driving without a valid licence after 1 year residency is a serious offence. Licence Centre staff may speak limited English — bring a Japanese-speaking helper if possible.
Road Rules
Urban roads (一般道): 40–60 km/h (default 60 km/h where not posted). Residential zones (生活道路): 30 km/h. Expressways (高速道路): 100 km/h standard; 120 km/h on designated sections. School zones (通学路): 30 km/h. Japan uses km/h throughout.
0.03% BAC (breath: 0.15mg/L) — effectively near-zero tolerance. This is among the strictest limits in the world. Penalties: driving at ≥0.03% BAC: ¥300,000 fine and/or up to 3 years imprisonment, plus licence disqualification. Allowing a drunk person to drive your vehicle (vehicle provision): ¥500,000 fine. Passengers in a drunk driver's car can also be penalised. Do not drive after even a single drink.
Strictly prohibited to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. Penalty: ¥18,000 fine and 3 demerit points. Causing an accident while using a phone: ¥100,000 fine and up to 1 year imprisonment. Hands-free use is permitted but looking at a screen (including navigation) while moving is prohibited.
Compulsory for all passengers in all seats. Driver and front passenger: always required. Rear passengers: required on expressways; recommended (legally enforced from 2026 onwards) on other roads. Penalty for non-compliance: 1 demerit point (driver responsible for rear passengers on expressways).
Child restraint seats (チャイルドシート) are compulsory for children under 6 years old. Penalty for non-compliance: 1 demerit point. Child seats must meet Japanese safety standards — most major international brands comply. Forward-facing approved from approximately 9kg / 1 year old.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Japan uses a demerit points system (違反点数). Standard licence holders start with 0 points and accumulate demerits for violations. Licence suspension: 6 points within 3 years (30-day suspension for new drivers, varies for experienced). Revocation: 15+ points. Serious offences (drunk driving, hit and run) result in immediate revocation. Fines are fixed (反則金) for minor offences — paid at convenience stores using a payment slip. Serious offences go to criminal court. Speed cameras (オービス) operate on expressways. Police patrol cars and motorbike officers are common in urban areas.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–15 km/h over limit (general road) | ¥9,000 | 1 point |
| Speeding 16–25 km/h over limit (general road) | ¥12,000 | 2 points |
| Speeding 25–30 km/h over limit (general road) | ¥15,000 | 3 points |
| Speeding 30–50 km/h over limit (general road) | ¥18,000 (criminal case possible) | 6 points |
| Speeding 1–15 km/h over limit (expressway) | ¥9,000 | 1 point |
| Speeding 30–50 km/h over limit (expressway) | ¥25,000 | 3 points |
| Running a red light | ¥9,000 | 2 points |
| Handheld mobile phone use while driving | ¥18,000 | 3 points |
| Mobile phone use causing accident | Criminal prosecution / ¥100,000+ | 6+ points |
| Seat belt violation (driver or front passenger) | ¥0 (points only) | 1 point |
| Drink driving (≥0.03% BAC) | ¥300,000+ | 13 points (immediate suspension) |
| Illegal parking | ¥10,000–18,000 | 2–3 points |
| Failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing | ¥9,000 | 2 points |
| No valid vehicle inspection (shakken) | ¥30,000+ | 6 points |
Buying a Car
Foreigners with a valid residence card (Zairyu card) and Japanese address can buy a car in Japan without restriction. Japan has a large used-car market — prices are lower than Europe due to the strict Shakken (vehicle inspection) system discouraging older vehicles. Major auction systems (USS, JAA, CAA) are accessible through dealers. New cars take 1–3 months for delivery. Used cars are typically purchased from dealerships (中古車店) or via auction sites (Goo-net, Carview, BE FORWARD for export).
- 1.Obtain a Japanese driving licence or valid IDP (required for test drives and registration)
- 2.Obtain a proof of parking space certificate (保管場所証明書 / car parking certificate) from local police station (警察署) BEFORE purchasing — required for registration of vehicles over 660cc in urban areas. This proves you have a designated parking space. Allow 3–7 days for police inspection and issuance.
- 3.Choose between new (新車) or used (中古車) — visit dealerships or browse Goo-net, Carview, or used car lots
- 4.Negotiate price — cash payment (genkin) often secures a better deal; many dealers also offer financing (ローン)
- 5.Complete sale and sign registration transfer documents at the dealership (dealer handles most paperwork)
- 6.Obtain compulsory Jibaiseki insurance (自賠責保険) before driving — typically purchased at the dealership
- 7.Purchase voluntary comprehensive insurance (任意保険) — strongly recommended (see below)
- 8.Complete vehicle registration (登録) at the nearest Transport Bureau office (運輸支局) — dealers often handle this for a fee (代行費用 ¥10,000–30,000)
- 9.Attach your number plate (ナンバープレート) — provided at registration
- •Verify the Shakken (車検) expiry date — the remaining Shakken adds significant value; verify the certificate in the car
- •Check the vehicle history report (Vehicle ID Check) through AICRAA or the dealer — confirms no stolen status, accident history, or outstanding finance
- •Confirm the Jibaiseki (自賠責) compulsory insurance is current and transferred to your name
- •Inspect the parking certificate (保管場所証明書) requirement for your municipality before purchase
- •Kei cars (軽自動車 / yellow plates, 660cc or under) have simpler registration via the Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization (軽自動車検査協会) and do not require a parking certificate in most rural areas
Vehicle purchase price: new kei car ¥1.5M–2.5M; new compact ¥2M–4M; used kei ¥300k–1.5M; used compact ¥500k–2.5M. Additional costs: Jibaiseki (compulsory insurance, mandatory before driving): ~¥12,000–25,000 (varies by vehicle class and term). Voluntary insurance (任意保険): ¥50,000–150,000/year depending on age, car, and coverage. Shakken (if due): ¥60,000–120,000. Automobile acquisition tax (環境性能割): 0–3% of vehicle value (EV/hybrid discounts). Automobile weight tax (重量税): ¥6,600–49,200 at registration depending on vehicle weight. Road tax (自動車税): annual, ¥10,800–110,000 depending on engine displacement (kei: ¥10,800/year). Registration/dealer fees: ¥30,000–80,000.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
New and used vehicle registrations are handled at the regional Transport Bureau (運輸支局 / unjō shikyoku) — dealers almost always manage this process on your behalf for a handling fee. You will need: proof of insurance (Jibaiseki), parking certificate (保管場所証明書), Zairyu card (for foreigners), and payment of automobile tax and weight tax. Registration must be renewed if you change address. Vehicles are registered with white number plates (standard) or yellow plates (kei cars). Personalized plates (希望番号) are available for an additional fee. Kei car registration is handled separately at the Light Vehicle Inspection Organization (軽自動車検査協会).
Jibaiseki Hoken (自賠責保険 / Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance, CALI) is legally required for all vehicles before they can be driven. It covers third-party bodily injury only — up to ¥30M per person for injury/death, ¥40M for disability. It does NOT cover vehicle damage or property damage to third parties, and does NOT cover the driver. Purchase at dealerships, post offices, convenience stores, or insurance companies. Typical cost: ¥9,000–25,000 depending on vehicle class and term (12/24/36 months). Voluntary comprehensive insurance (任意保険) is strongly recommended to cover your own vehicle damage, third-party property damage, and comprehensive accident cover. Annual cost ¥50,000–150,000 depending on age, vehicle, and coverage level.
Annual Automobile Tax (自動車税 / Jidōsha-zei): charged to vehicle owner each April. Amounts: kei car ¥10,800/year; up to 1,000cc ¥25,000/year; 1,001–1,500cc ¥30,500/year; 1,501–2,000cc ¥36,000/year; 2,001–2,500cc ¥43,500/year; 2,501–3,000cc ¥50,000/year; 3,001–3,500cc ¥57,000/year; 3,501–4,000cc ¥65,500/year; over 4,000cc ¥75,500–110,000/year. Paid by bank transfer or at convenience stores using the annual tax notice. EV and low-emission vehicles receive reductions (グリーン化特例). Automobile Weight Tax (自動車重量税) is paid at each Shakken (every 2 years): ¥8,200–49,200 depending on vehicle weight.
Shakken (車検 / Shaken — Vehicle Inspection): mandatory periodic roadworthiness inspection by a government-authorised inspection station. New cars: first inspection at 3 years. Thereafter: every 2 years. Kei cars follow the same schedule. Cost: ¥60,000–120,000 all-in (inspection fee ~¥15,000 + weight tax + compulsory insurance renewal + any repairs required to pass). Cars failing inspection must be repaired and re-tested. A "user shakken" (ユーザー車検) — taking the car to the Transport Bureau yourself — costs ¥15,000–40,000 but requires confidence in Japanese and a roadworthy car. Most people use authorised dealers or test stations. Driving without a valid Shakken certificate is a serious offence (6 demerit points, ¥30,000+ fine, and insurance invalidity). Always check the Shakken expiry sticker (車検証) on the windscreen when buying a used car.
Cycling
Cycling is extremely common in Japan — commuting by bicycle is normal across all age groups. Japan has extensive cycling infrastructure in suburban areas, though many cities lack dedicated cycle lanes and cyclists share footpaths with pedestrians or roads with cars. Bicycle registration (防犯登録 / bōhan tōroku) is compulsory — register at bicycle shops, police boxes (交番), or convenience stores for ¥500–1,000. Bicycles must be registered to the owner; police regularly check registration in bicycle-heavy areas. Unregistered bicycles may be assumed stolen.
- •Ride on the left side of the road or designated cycle paths
- •Footpath cycling is permitted for children under 13, people over 70, and where a sign explicitly permits it (自転車通行可) — otherwise ride on the road
- •Helmets: compulsory for children under 13; strongly encouraged for all cyclists from April 2023 (new law: effort obligation for adults)
- •No cycling while using a mobile phone (hands must be on handlebars) — fine ¥50,000–100,000
- •No cycling while holding an umbrella (傘さし運転禁止) — fine ¥50,000
- •No cycling while drunk (酒気帯び運転) — same penalties as motor vehicle drunk driving
- •Front white light and rear red reflector required when cycling at night — no light is a fineable offence
- •Cycling on footpaths against pedestrian flow is prohibited unless signed otherwise
- •Two people on one bicycle (二人乗り) is illegal except: parent carrying a child in an approved child seat
- •Yield to pedestrians at all times when on footpaths — ring your bell (bell required) to alert pedestrians
- •Buy a bicycle (新車 or secondhand 中古) and register it immediately at the point of purchase — most bicycle shops complete registration for you for ¥500
- •Mama-chari (ママチャリ) — the classic upright utility bicycle — is the most practical for urban errands; costs ¥10,000–30,000 new at supermarkets and ¥3,000–8,000 second-hand
- •Electric-assist bicycles (電動アシスト自転車) are popular for hills and commuting; cost ¥50,000–150,000 new
- •Bicycle parking: use designated bicycle parking areas (駐輪場) — illegally parked bicycles are collected by the council and require a ¥2,500–3,000 release fee
- •Mama-chari theft is common in urban areas — always lock your bicycle (ring lock minimum) and use a secondary cable lock for valuable bikes
- •Cycling near Shibuya, Shinjuku, and major train stations is heavily managed — many areas have strict no-cycling zones around station exits
- •JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) publishes English cycling rules at jaf.or.jp