Penalties for hit-and-run?

What the Law Says

Japanese law strictly prohibits leaving the scene of a traffic accident without fulfilling statutory duties. Failure to stop, assist injured persons, or report the incident triggers criminal penalties.

Under the Road Traffic Act, drivers involved in an accident must immediately stop, provide aid to injured persons, and report the incident to police without delay — typically within 24 hours. Failing to do so is a criminal offense.

The Automobile Damage Compensation Security Act reinforces this duty: drivers must report accidents involving injury or death to police and submit written reports to authorities. Noncompliance may result in license cancellation or suspension for up to 3 years.

Penalties are tiered based on severity: if the accident causes injury, punishment is imprisonment with work for up to 10 years or a fine of up to ¥1 million — or both. If it causes death, penalties increase significantly, potentially including longer imprisonment terms under related provisions.

Statutory Text

A driver who has caused a traffic accident shall immediately stop the vehicle and take necessary measures such as providing aid to injured persons and reporting the accident to the police.

— Road Traffic Act, s. 72 — Duty of Drivers Involved in Accidents

Statutory Text

Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of the preceding Article shall be punished by imprisonment with work for not more than ten years or a fine of not more than one million yen, or both.

— Road Traffic Act, s. 119(1)(i) — Penalty for Violation of Section 72

Statutory Text

When a motor vehicle accident results in injury or death, the driver must submit a report to the competent public safety commission within 24 hours.

— Automobile Damage Compensation Security Act, s. 8 — Reporting Obligation

What to Do

Sources