JapanParking enforcement and abandoned vehicle system?
Japan does not have a national 'abandoned vehicle system' like some Western countries; instead, local governments handle unauthorized parking and abandoned vehicles under the Road Traffic Act and local ordinances.
What the Law Says
Japan regulates unauthorized parking and suspected abandoned vehicles primarily through the Road Traffic Act and delegated authority to prefectural police departments. Local governments may also enact ordinances for stricter enforcement on public roads and municipal land.
Under Article 71-2 of the Road Traffic Act, it is illegal to park a vehicle in a manner that obstructs traffic or violates posted restrictions. Vehicles parked illegally for more than 72 hours on public roads may be deemed 'abandoned' at the discretion of the prefectural police.
The Act authorizes prefectural police departments to remove such vehicles after due notice (if possible) and store them for up to 30 days. Owners must pay removal and storage fees — typically around ¥15,000 — to reclaim their vehicle.
If unclaimed after 30 days, the vehicle may be sold or scrapped under procedures set by the National Police Agency’s guidelines. No national database or centralized 'abandoned vehicle system' exists; enforcement is decentralized and varies by municipality.
Statutory TextNo person shall park a motor vehicle in violation of regulations established by ordinance of the prefectural public safety commission.
— Road Traffic Act, Art. 71-2 — Prohibition of Parking in Violation of Ordinances
What to Do
Check for parking violation notices on your vehicle or via local police website.
Contact your prefectural police department within 30 days to locate and reclaim your vehicle.
Pay all required removal, storage, and administrative fees before retrieval.
If your vehicle was towed from private property, contact the property owner or management company — police involvement may not apply.
Sources
Not 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: 2026-06-08.