Japan has two DUI offenses: driving with blood alcohol above 0.15mg/L (Road Traffic Act Art. 65, 117-2-2: up to 3 years imprisonment or ¥500,000 fine, license suspension 90 days to revocation 2 years) and driving while intoxicated regardless of level (Art. 117-2: up to 5 years or ¥1,000,000, revocation 3 years). Dangerous driving causing death/injury (Auto Driving Act Art. 2) carries up to 20 years. Post-arrest: 48hr police custody (CPC Art. 203), 24hr for prosecution decision (Art. 205), up to 20 days detention (Art. 208).
Drunk Driving Penalties in Japan: Criminal and Administrative Consequences
Key Takeaways
- ✓Driving with alcohol carries up to 3 years imprisonment or ¥500,000 fine
- ✓Driving while intoxicated carries heavier penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment
- ✓Drunk driving results in immediate license revocation
- ✓Passengers and those who provided alcohol also face penalties
Free Tools for This Area
This article provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal issues, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Related Articles
Traffic Crimes in Japan: Dangerous Driving, Hit-and-Run, and License Penalties
Overview of traffic crime penalties in Japan including dangerous driving, hit-and-run, and license point system.
Arrested in Japan? Know Your Rights
Your rights when arrested in Japan: attorney access, right to silence, and the duty lawyer system.
Caught Shoplifting in Japan?
Short answer: Up to 10 yrs prison (Penal Code Art. 235). Police can hold you 23 days pre-charge. Tourists face deportation, residents risk visa loss. Settlement (jidan) is the key to avoiding prosecution. Step-by-step guide.
Japan Stimulants Act & Cannabis Penalties 2026 (kakuseizai): Up to 10 Years
Short answer: Stimulants Control Act (kakuseizai) possession = up to 10 years. Cannabis Control Act possession = up to 5 years (use criminalized Dec 2024). Foreign nationals face deportation + 5-year re-entry ban. 23-day detention rules and first-offense suspended sentence odds explained.
Dealing with False Groping Accusations in Japan
Guide to handling false groping accusations in Japan, including rights upon arrest and defense strategies.
Settlement Negotiations in Japanese Criminal Cases: Process and Amounts
Guide to settlement (jidan) negotiations in Japanese criminal cases, including effects on prosecution and sentencing.
Related Q&A
Q. How long can you be detained after arrest in Japan?
Q. What is a suspended sentence in Japan?
Q. What should I do if falsely arrested for groping on a train?
Q. Does a criminal record last forever in Japan?
Q. What are the conditions for bail and how much does it cost?
Q. What penalties exist for drunk driving in Japan?
Related Legal Terms
Recommended Articles
See allCriminal Defense
Japan Stimulants Act & Cannabis Penalties 2026 (kakuseizai): Up to 10 Years
Short answer: Stimulants Control Act (kakuseizai) possession = up to 10 years. Cannabis Control Act possession = up to 5 years (use criminalized Dec 2024). Foreign nationals face deportation + 5-year re-entry ban. 23-day detention rules and first-offense suspended sentence odds explained.
Read moreCriminal DefenseDealing with False Groping Accusations in Japan
Guide to handling false groping accusations in Japan, including rights upon arrest and defense strategies.
Read moreCriminal DefenseSettlement Negotiations in Japanese Criminal Cases: Process and Amounts
Guide to settlement (jidan) negotiations in Japanese criminal cases, including effects on prosecution and sentencing.
Read moreCriminal DefenseJuvenile Criminal Proceedings in Japan: Family Court and Dispositions
Overview of juvenile criminal proceedings in Japan, including the 2022 reform introducing "specified juveniles" aged 18-19.
Read moreCriminal DefenseDomestic Violence Criminal Procedures in Japan
Legal remedies for domestic violence victims in Japan: criminal complaints, protection orders, and shelter services.
Read moreInternet IssuesOnline Defamation: How to File a Sender Disclosure Request in Japan
How to identify anonymous online defamers through sender disclosure requests in Japan, including the 2022 legal reform.
Read moreLawyer-Reviewed
Consult a Legal Professional Early
This article provides general information; outcomes vary by specific circumstances. Contact your local bar association for case-specific advice.
- Statutes & case law
- Free legal calculators
- Lawyer-reviewed