# Japan road safety and driving regulation updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-road-safety-and-driving-regulation-updates
> Updated: 2026-09-05T02:56:36.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Japan is addressing rising road safety concerns involving foreign tourists and elderly motorists. Authorities have noted an increase in accidents involving foreign nationals due to language barriers and differing driving habits, following a significant surge in international tourism.

Concurrently, the National Police Agency is tightening regulations for elderly drivers. Following reports of increased fatalities among those aged 75 and older, the agency has proposed enhancing driving skill examinations. Proposed changes include a new ‘direction change’ test to assess simultaneous steering, acceleration, and braking, as well as stricter penalties for failing to come to a complete stop. The agency also intends to introduce ‘failure to confirm safety’ as a new deduction item to combat issues such as pedal misapplication and improper operation.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Japan National Police Agency to enhance elderly driver skill tests

Japan's National Police Agency will add a ‘direction change’ test to driving skill exams for elderly drivers to reduce accidents caused by improper pedal operation and poor safety confirmation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-national-police-agency-to-enhance-elderly-driver-skill-tests

### 2026-09-04: Japan implements stricter driving rules amid rising accidents

Japan is implementing stricter driving regulations for elderly motorists and addressing a rise in traffic accidents involving foreign tourists due to language barriers and driving differences.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-implements-stricter-driving-rules-amid-rising-accidents

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Cite as: Japan road safety and driving regulation updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-road-safety-and-driving-regulation-updates