■ Introduction

On June 12, 2026, the Japanese government approved the 2025 Traffic Safety White Paper at a Cabinet meeting. According to this white paper, the number of traffic fatalities in 2025 was 2,547, marking the lowest figure since statistics began. However, there is a significant piece of data that cannot be overlooked: traffic accidents caused by foreign drivers reached a 10-year high of 7,906 cases.

With the increase in the foreign resident population, the number of foreigners holding Japanese driver’s licenses has risen by 60.7% over the past decade, reaching 1,338,977 in 2025. The number of traffic accidents has also increased by 18.2% since 2016.

As an administrative scrivener and visa application specialist, this article provides detailed information for foreign residents in Japan and for business owners and HR managers employing foreign workers. We will explain the implications of the Traffic Safety White Paper data, its impact on residence status, and the measures companies should take.

■ Key Points from the 2025 Traffic Safety White Paper

1. Traffic Fatalities at Record Low

The number of traffic fatalities in 2025 was 2,547, marking the sixth consecutive year below 3,000. This is less than one-sixth of the peak of 16,765 deaths recorded in 1970.

The mandatory helmet use for bicycle riders, introduced in 2023, is believed to have contributed to reducing injuries in accidents.

2. Elderly Account for More Than Half of Fatalities

When broken down by age group, those aged 65 and above accounted for 55.9% of fatalities, significantly higher than the 16-24 age group (7.8%) and the 25-64 age group (35.1%). Ensuring the safety of the “baby boomer generation,” particularly those aged 75 and above, has been identified as a critical issue.

3. Traffic Accidents by Foreign Drivers Reach 10-Year High

Accompanying the increase in the foreign resident population, traffic accidents caused by foreign drivers reached a 10-year high of 7,906 cases. The number of foreigners holding Japanese driver’s licenses increased by 60.7% from 2016, reaching 1,338,977 in 2025. The number of accidents also increased by 18.2% from 2016.

■ Why Are Traffic Accidents by Foreign Drivers Increasing?

Several factors contribute to the rise in traffic accidents involving foreign drivers.

1. Increase in Foreign Resident Population

The Japanese government has actively promoted the acceptance of foreign workers through programs such as the Specified Skilled Worker system and the Technical Intern Training Program. As a result, the number of foreign residents has increased year by year, along with the number of foreigners living and driving in Japan.

2. Lack of Understanding of Traffic Rules and Signs

Japanese traffic rules differ significantly from those in many other countries. The following points are particularly prone to causing confusion:

  • Left-hand traffic: While many countries drive on the right, Japan drives on the left.
  • Meaning of signs: Japan has unique road signs and markings that can be difficult to understand.
  • Speed limits: Speed limits on general roads are strictly set.
  • Intersection rules: Rules regarding right and left turns, priority at intersections, and pedestrian priority differ.

3. Differences in Driving Habits

Driving habits from one’s home country do not necessarily apply in Japan. For example, the use of car horns, following distances, and consideration for pedestrians may differ.

4. Language Barrier

When driver’s license tests and traffic safety education are conducted in Japanese, there is a possibility that individuals may drive without fully understanding the content.

■ Impact of Traffic Accidents on Residence Status

Traffic accidents, particularly serious violations or accidents, can affect the renewal or change of residence status.

1. Impact on Good Conduct Requirement

When renewing or changing residence status, the Immigration Services Agency evaluates the “good conduct requirement.” A history of traffic violations or accidents can affect this evaluation.

Minor violations may not cause major issues in many cases, but caution is required in the following situations:

  • Drunk driving
  • Driving without a license
  • Speeding (especially significant violations)
  • Traffic accidents resulting in injury or death
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Repeated traffic violations

2. Criminal Penalties

If an individual is subject to criminal penalties (fines, imprisonment, etc.) due to a traffic accident, the likelihood of a residence status renewal being denied increases. In particular, convictions for dangerous driving causing death or injury or negligent driving causing death or injury can have serious consequences.

3. Documents Required for Visa Renewal

When renewing a visa, individuals are required to submit documents such as proof of identity and income. In some cases, applicants may be asked to disclose their history of traffic accidents or violations. False declarations can lead to even more serious problems.

4. Risk of Deportation

In cases where an individual is sentenced to imprisonment or a more severe penalty for a serious traffic crime (such as dangerous driving causing death or injury, or drunk driving), they may be subject to deportation.

■ For Foreign Residents in Japan – What You Need to Know for Safe Driving

1. Reconfirm Japanese Traffic Rules

Traffic rules differ between your home country and Japan. Even after obtaining a driver’s license, it is important to periodically review traffic rules.

  • Use multilingual traffic safety pamphlets distributed at police stations and driver’s license centers
  • Watch online traffic safety education videos
  • Participate in local traffic safety seminars

2. Understand the Meaning of Signs

Japanese road signs follow international standards in some cases, but there are also unique signs. The following signs are particularly important:

  • Stop
  • No entry
  • Speed limit
  • No parking
  • No passing

3. Ensure You Have Car Insurance

In Japan, in addition to compulsory automobile liability insurance (CALI), it is strongly recommended to purchase voluntary insurance. It is important to have insurance with adequate coverage in case of an accident.

4. Never Drive Under the Influence

In Japan, penalties for drunk driving are extremely severe and result in criminal charges. It can also have a serious impact on your residence status, so it must be avoided at all costs.

5. What to Do in Case of an Accident

If you are involved in an accident, follow these steps:

  1. Immediately stop your vehicle in a safe location
  2. Provide aid to injured persons (call an ambulance if necessary)
  3. Call the police (110)
  4. Exchange information with the other party (name, contact information, insurance company, etc.)
  5. Contact your insurance company
  6. Consult with an administrative scrivener or visa specialist (to assess the impact on residence status)

6. Consult a Specialist if Concerned About Impact on Residence Status

If you are involved in a traffic accident and are concerned about the impact on your residence status, we recommend consulting an administrative scrivener or visa specialist as soon as possible.

■ For Business Owners and HR Managers Employing Foreign Workers

When foreign employees drive vehicles for work purposes, companies have a duty of care for safety. If a traffic accident occurs, not only may the company’s employer liability be questioned, but it may also affect the employee’s residence status.

1. Verify Driver’s Licenses at the Time of Hiring

When hiring foreign employees, if driving is part of the job, verify the following:

  • Does the employee hold a Japanese driver’s license?
  • Is the license valid?
  • Is there a history of traffic violations or accidents?
  • If an international driver’s license is held, what is the validity period (usually one year)?

2. Provide Traffic Safety Education

Conduct training on Japanese traffic rules and safe driving for foreign employees.

  • Explain traffic rules during new employee orientation
  • Provide multilingual traffic safety materials
  • Hold regular safe driving seminars
  • Utilize e-learning systems

3. Manage Driving Records

Regularly check employees’ driving records to identify any violations or accidents. If issues are found, consider measures such as re-education or temporary suspension from driving duties.

4. Verify Automobile Insurance

Ensure that vehicles used for business purposes are covered by appropriate automobile insurance, particularly voluntary insurance with unlimited coverage for personal injury and property damage.

5. Establish Response Procedures for Accidents

Prepare a response flow in advance in case an employee is involved in a traffic accident.

  • Communication system in case of an accident
  • Procedures for contacting the police and insurance company
  • Response to victims
  • Consultation with administrative scriveners or visa specialists (to assess impact on residence status)
  • Internal reporting and consideration of measures to prevent recurrence

6. Corporate Legal Liability

If an employee causes a traffic accident while on duty, the company may face the following legal liabilities:

  • Employer Liability (Article 715 of the Civil Code): The company may be liable for damages resulting from the unlawful acts of employees
  • Violation of Duty of Care: If appropriate safety education and management are neglected, the company’s liability may be questioned
  • Liability of Vehicle Operator (Automobile Liability Security Act): In the case of an accident involving a company-owned vehicle, the company may be liable for damages

7. Impact on Residence Status and Follow-up

If a foreign employee causes a traffic accident, consider the impact on residence status and provide appropriate follow-up.

  • Support consultation with administrative scriveners or visa specialists
  • Issue certificates or recommendation letters on behalf of the company if necessary
  • Provide mental support to the employee

■ Q&A on Traffic Safety and Residence Status

Q1. Does even a minor traffic violation affect visa renewal?

A1. Minor violations such as failure to stop at a stop sign or parking violations, if they occur only once or twice, generally do not have a significant impact. However, repeated violations or serious offenses such as drunk driving or driving without a license are likely to affect residence status.

Q2. Will my visa be immediately revoked if I cause a traffic accident?

A2. Causing a traffic accident does not usually result in immediate visa revocation. However, serious accidents (such as those resulting in injury or death) or cases where criminal penalties are imposed may affect the review process during visa renewal.

Q3. Can I drive in Japan indefinitely with an international driver’s license?

A3. Driving with an international driver’s license is valid only for one year from the date of entry into Japan. If you stay in Japan for more than one year, you must obtain a Japanese driver’s license.

Q4. Can a company verify the traffic violation history of a foreign employee?

A4. With the employee’s consent, a driving record certificate can be obtained from the police station or the Japan Safe Driving Center. However, appropriate procedures are required from the perspective of personal information protection.

Q5. How can I support an employee who has caused a traffic accident?

A5. First, confirm the details of the accident and support contact with the insurance company. If there are concerns about the impact on residence status, recommend consulting an administrative scrivener or visa specialist and prepare supporting documents from the company if necessary.

■ Conclusion

The data presented in the 2025 Traffic Safety White Paper reveals the reality that as the foreign resident population increases, traffic accidents caused by foreign drivers are also on the rise.

For foreign residents in Japan, traffic safety is not just about preventing accidents; it is also directly connected to maintaining residence status and stability of life in Japan. Understanding Japanese traffic rules correctly and practicing safe driving is crucial to protecting your own future and that of your family.

For business owners and HR managers employing foreign workers, establishing appropriate traffic safety education and management systems is essential as part of corporate risk management. Protecting the safety of employees is also a corporate social responsibility.

As an administrative scrivener and specialist in visa applications and residence status, we support creating an environment where everyone can live and work in Japan with peace of mind. Whether it is about the relationship between traffic accidents and residence status, corporate risk management, or concerns about visa renewal, no matter how small, please feel free to consult with us.

Safe driving is the foundation that protects the lives and futures of all people. Let us work together to build a safe and secure society.

Reference Article URL:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/06941ca38568d2f6aa6486f884600d16c7ce7a61

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