# Japan dangerous-driving law reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-dangerous-driving-law-reforms > Updated: 2026-08-07T11:39:51.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. In July 2026 Japan enacted a revised dangerous‑driving law that introduced explicit numeric criteria for both speed‑excess and alcohol‑related offences. The legislation sets a 0.5 mg/L breath‑alcohol threshold for intoxication and defines speed violations: on roads limited to 60 km/h or less, exceeding 50 km/h is punishable, while on faster roads any speed over 60 km/h triggers the same charge. The maximum penalty was increased to up to 20 years imprisonment, aiming to provide clearer standards for prosecution and improve road safety. A week later, officials highlighted that the amendment follows years of advocacy by victims’ families after high‑profile crashes, notably a 2021 fatal incident in Ōita. Police began distributing informational flyers near major stations to alert the public to the new limits. The government expects the clearer thresholds to streamline investigations, deter severe traffic accidents, and address a rise in traffic‑related deaths reported in Tokyo for 2026. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-07: Japan Sets Numeric Blood‑Alcohol Threshold for Drunk‑Driving Offences Japan’s revised driving law now sets a 0.5 mg/L breath‑alcohol limit and clear speed‑excess thresholds, following advocacy after fatal crashes, with police launching public awareness campaigns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-sets-numeric-bloodalcohol-threshold-for-drunkdriving-offences ### 2026-07-21: Japan Enacts New Dangerous‑Driving Law with Speed and Alcohol Thresholds Japan's new dangerous‑driving law, effective July 21, sets speed thresholds of 50 km/h on roads ≤60 km/h and 60 km/h on highways, and a breath‑alcohol limit of 0.5 mg/L, with penalties up to 20 years prison. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-enacts-new-dangerousdriving-law-with-speed-and-alcohol-thresholds --- Cite as: Japan dangerous-driving law reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-dangerous-driving-law-reforms