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Traffic

8 itemsLatest information on Japan's traffic rules, licenses, and public transport

2026-09-01

Residential Road Speed Limit Cut to 30km/h!

From September 2026, speed limit on residential roads without center lines drops from 60km/h to 30km/h. Applies to all vehicles for pedestrian safety.

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2026-04-01

Bicycle "Blue Ticket" — All 113 Violations

Effective April 1, 2026. Traffic fine system introduced for bicycles. Smartphone use: ¥12,000, running red lights: ¥6,000.

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2026-04-01

Highway ETC Night Discount Narrowed to 0–4 AM (Effective Price Hike)

Highway late-night ETC discount (30% off) narrowed from 10 PM–6 AM to 12 AM–4 AM. Effectively a price increase for rental car tourists and long-distance drivers.

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2026-03-31

Vehicle Environmental Performance Tax Abolished (Up to ¥90K→¥0)

Vehicle Environmental Performance Tax fully abolished on March 31, 2026. Tax burden reduced by up to ~¥90,000 when purchasing new or used cars. Benefits foreign residents buying vehicles in Japan.

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2025-10-01

Foreign License Conversion Tightened! 10→50 Questions

Effective October 1, 2025. Foreign license conversion test expanded 10→50 questions, pass mark 70→90%. Residence certificate required; tourists cannot convert.

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2025-04-01

New-Standard Mopeds Arrive! 50cc Ends

From April 1, 2025, 125cc-class bikes with power capped at 4.0kW became "new-standard mopeds" you can ride on a moped license. Tighter emission rules make 50cc engines hard to build, so domestic 50cc production ends in late October 2025. Traffic rules stay the same as before.

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2025-03-24

My Number Driver's License Launches!

From March 24, 2025, Japan launched the "My Number Driver's License," combining your license into your My Number Card. Excellent and general drivers can take renewal courses online, and address changes finish at the city office alone. Opt-in.

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2020-05-20