JapanStatutory penalty for drunk driving?
In Japan, drunk driving carries criminal penalties including up to 5 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to ¥1 million — and harsher penalties if injury or death results.
What the Law Says
Japan enforces zero-tolerance for alcohol when driving. The Road Traffic Act sets strict criminal and administrative penalties based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and consequences of the offense.
Under Japanese law, it is illegal to drive with any detectable alcohol in your system — the legal BAC limit is 0.00%. Even drivers with BAC below 0.15% face criminal charges if found to be impaired.
Penalties escalate sharply depending on whether the offense caused injury or death. License suspension or revocation is mandatory, and repeat offenses trigger longer bans and harsher criminal sanctions.
The law also penalizes passengers who knowingly ride with a drunk driver — they may face fines or imprisonment.
Statutory TextAny person who drives a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol… shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than five years or a fine of not more than one million yen.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 65 — Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Statutory TextIf the act described in the preceding paragraph results in injury to any person, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than seven years or a fine of not more than one million yen.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 65, para. 2 — Injury Resulting from Drunk Driving
Statutory TextIf the act described in paragraph (1) results in the death of any person, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not less than three years and not more than twelve years.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 65, para. 3 — Death Resulting from Drunk Driving
What to Do
Stop driving immediately if you have consumed any alcohol.
Arrange alternative transport (taxi, public transit, or designated driver).
If arrested, cooperate with authorities and consult a licensed Japanese attorney promptly.
Expect mandatory license revocation (minimum 3 years) and possible criminal prosecution.
Do not attempt to negotiate or plead ignorance — Japan’s zero-tolerance policy is strictly enforced.
Sources
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US-New YorkNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-09.