Japan Enacts New Dangerous‑Driving Law with Speed and Alcohol Thresholds

A revised law on dangerous driving was enacted in Japan on July 21, introducing specific numerical criteria for applying the dangerous‑driving causing death or injury offense. The law stipulates that on roads where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less, exceeding 50 km/h constitutes a punishable offense, while on highways any speed over 60 km/h is covered. It also sets an alcohol limit of 0.5 mg of alcohol per litre of breath. The maximum penalty for violating the dangerous‑driving law is up to 20 years imprisonment, which is harsher than the 7‑year maximum for negligence‑driving offenses. The Ministry of Justice said it will intensify public awareness to deter dangerous driving.

The measures aim to clarify previously vague criteria that families of victims had criticized, providing clearer standards for prosecution and aiming to improve road safety nationwide.