By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-07-21 03:16:55 | Updated at 2026-08-02 17:42:36
1 week ago
TOKYO – A revised law aimed at cracking down on dangerous driving resulting in death and injury entered into force in Japan on July 21, setting clear standards for speeding and alcohol levels amid calls for greater clarity.
Under the law, “high speed” is defined as travelling over the speed limit by at least 50kmh on ordinary roads and 60kmh on highways. For drunken driving, a breath alcohol level of at least 0.5mg per litre has been set.
The numerical targets will make it easier for the authorities to determine whether driving was dangerous, given that some cases were treated as negligent driving due to the difficulty of proving deliberate intent.
Dangerous driving carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. KYODO NEWS
