For foreign residents in Japan and business executives/HR managers who employ foreign workers, this issue is far from someone else’s problem. We provide a thorough analysis from an immigration lawyer’s perspective.
- 1. The Chitose Accident: What Happened?
- 2. Does “I Didn’t Understand the Sign” Excuse Legal Responsibility?
- 3. Foreign Licenses That Can and Cannot Be Used in Japan
- 4. Why Could They Rent a Car? System Loopholes
- 5. What You Must Never Do After an Accident
- 6. Corporate “Employer Liability” and Risk Management
- 7. Immigration Lawyer’s Advice: Preventing Accidents
- In Conclusion
1. The Chitose Accident: What Happened?
📰 Overview of the Accident
Around 9:30 AM on January 24, 2026, a serious traffic accident occurred at an unsignalized intersection in Sakaemachi 1-chome, Chitose City, Hokkaido.
Accident Details
- Perpetrator: Male (34 years old), believed to be a Chinese tourist
- Situation: Entered intersection ignoring stop sign
- Damage: Collided with light vehicle coming from the right. Female passenger in her 40s suffered minor rib contusion
- After accident: Fled the scene. Found and arrested approximately 10 minutes later about 800 meters away
- Charges: Negligent driving causing injury, suspected hit-and-run, suspected driving without valid license
- Vehicle: Rental car with three other foreign passengers
🚨 Three Serious Violations
This accident involves three serious violations:
- Failure to Stop
Entered intersection without stopping despite stop sign. - Hit-and-Run (Failure to Provide Aid)
Fled the scene despite causing accident, without providing aid to injured or notifying police. - Suspected Driving Without Valid License
Possibly did not possess a valid license to drive in Japan.
All of these are serious traffic violations subject to severe punishment.
2. Does “I Didn’t Understand the Sign” Excuse Legal Responsibility?
🛑 Unique Nature of Japan’s “Tomare” Stop Sign
The suspect stated, “I didn’t understand the meaning of the sign and entered the intersection without stopping.”
Actually, Japan’s stop signs have unique characteristics:
Japan’s Stop Sign
- Shape: Inverted triangle (compliant with international standards)
- Color: Red border, white background
- Text: Written in Japanese as “止まれ” (Tomare)
Many countries use “STOP” in English or signs without text. For foreigners who cannot read Japanese, understanding the meaning of “止まれ” may be difficult.
⚖️ Is Legal Responsibility Excused?
To conclude, legal responsibility is NOT excused by claiming “I didn’t know.”
⚠️ Fundamental Principle of Road Traffic Law
Anyone driving in Japan has an obligation to understand and comply with Japanese Road Traffic Law. “I’m a foreigner, so I didn’t know” is not a legal excuse.
Because:
- When obtaining or using a driver’s license, you assume responsibility to understand that country’s rules
- The shape (inverted triangle) internationally means “yield/stop”
- There is both opportunity and obligation to learn signs before driving in Japan
- Accepting “I didn’t know” would undermine legal fairness
🌏 Challenges for Internationalization
However, this accident raises issues about the internationalization of Japan’s traffic signs:
| Current Problem | Direction for Improvement |
|---|---|
| Japanese-only text | Consider bilingual English or adopting STOP |
| Insufficient explanation at rental | Distribute multilingual traffic rule materials |
| Lax license verification | Strengthen automated system checks |
3. Foreign Licenses That Can and Cannot Be Used in Japan
✅ When You Can Drive in Japan
Foreigners can drive in Japan under the following circumstances:
Cases Where Driving is Permitted
1. Holding an International Driving Permit
- International Driving Permit (IDP) based on Geneva Convention
- Validity: 1 year from issuance OR 1 year from entry to Japan (whichever is shorter)
- System allowing validity reset by leaving Japan was abolished in 2002
2. License from Geneva Convention Member Country + Japanese Translation
- Valid foreign driver’s license
- Japanese translation (issued by JAF or embassy/consulate)
- Must carry both while driving
❌ When You Cannot Drive in Japan
You cannot drive in Japan in the following cases:
Cases Where Driving is Not Permitted
- Chinese driver’s license (China is not a Geneva Convention member)
- Taiwan driver’s license (exceptions exist under certain conditions)
- Expired international driving permit
- Foreign license without Japanese translation
- International permit used beyond 1 year after entry
- Forged license (obviously)
🌍 Geneva Convention Member Countries (Major Nations)
Licenses from the following countries/regions can be used in Japan with translation:
Asia: Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Bangladesh, India, etc.
Americas/Europe: USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, etc.
Africa/Middle East: South Africa, Egypt, UAE, etc.
🚫 Why Chinese Licenses Cannot Be Used
The accident suspect was a Chinese national. Since China is not a Geneva Convention member, Chinese driver’s licenses cannot be used in Japan.
For Chinese citizens to drive in Japan:
- Obtain a new Japanese driver’s license
- Convert Chinese license to Japanese license (with examination)
- Obtain international permit from Geneva Convention member country (fraudulent)
The third method is illegal. Cases of Chinese nationals fraudulently obtaining international permits in third countries have become problematic.
4. Why Could They Rent a Car? System Loopholes
🚗 Current State of Rental Car Industry
A major question arises from this accident: Why could someone without a valid license rent a car?
Rental car companies are supposed to verify:
- Presentation of driver’s license
- Verification of expiration date
- For international permits, cross-check with passport
- Confirm entry date (within 1 year)
⚠️ System Loopholes
However, the following problems exist in practice:
Verification System Challenges
- Lack of Staff Knowledge
Difficult to know all countries’ license formats - Language Barriers
Difficult to judge authenticity of foreign-language licenses - Difficulty Detecting Forgeries
Sophisticated forgeries hard to identify without expertise - International Permits from Third Countries
Cannot verify if person actually resided in that country - Oversights During Busy Periods
Verification may become lax during tourist seasons
5. What You Must Never Do After an Accident
🚨 Seriousness of “Fleeing”
In this accident, the suspect fled the scene. This is “hit-and-run,” an extremely serious crime.
Penalties for Hit-and-Run (Failure to Provide Aid)
- Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment or fine up to 1 million yen
- Administrative Action: License revocation (disqualification period 3-5 years)
- Criminal Record: Remains as criminal history
- Residence Status: Possible renewal denial, deportation
- Civil Liability: Possible increase in compensation amounts
While ordinary traffic accidents might result in administrative penalties or fines, fleeing immediately escalates it to a serious crime.
✅ What You Must Do After an Accident
Obligations under Japanese Road Traffic Law:
Accident Obligations (5 Requirements)
1. Immediately Stop Driving
When aware of accident, immediately stop in safe location.
2. Provide Aid to Injured
If injured persons, provide first aid. Call ambulance (119) if necessary.
3. Prevent Danger
To prevent secondary accidents, move vehicle, set up warning triangle, activate hazard lights.
4. Notify Police
Call 110. Must do so even for minor accidents.
5. Remain at Scene Until Police Arrive
Obligation to explain accident circumstances.
🌐 Why Foreigners “Flee”
Why do foreigners flee after accidents? Various factors are involved:
- Language Barrier: Cannot speak Japanese, afraid of dealing with police
- Ignorance of System: Don’t know Japanese rules
- Panic: First accident, cannot make calm judgment
- Fear of Discovery: Fear of unlicensed driving being revealed
- Visa Concerns: Mistaken belief visa will be cancelled
- Escape Attempt: Misconception that fleeing Japan solves problem
However, fleeing always worsens the situation. Never flee.
💬 When You Don’t Understand the Language
Accident Response (For Foreigners)
- Call 110, police will arrange interpreter
- Say “Jiko desu” (accident) “English (Chinese) speaker please come”
- Use smartphone translation app
- Call workplace or acquaintances for help
- Contact embassy/consulate
6. Corporate “Employer Liability” and Risk Management
🏢 Management Responsibilities Required of Companies
Companies employing foreign workers, do any of these situations apply?
⚠️ Risky Cases
- Not verifying employees’ driver’s licenses
- Not tracking international permit expiration dates
- Employees from non-member countries like China/Taiwan driving
- Unclear company vehicle usage standards
- Providing commuting allowance without license verification
- Using rental cars on company trips without license checks
⚖️ What is Employer Liability?
Article 715 of the Civil Code stipulates:
“A person who employs another for a business shall be liable to compensate for damage inflicted on a third person by the employee in the execution of that business.”
In other words, companies may bear liability for damages from accidents caused by employees during work or commuting.
Cases Where Companies Are Held Liable:
- Accidents during business activities
- Accidents during commuting (when commuting allowance provided)
- Accidents using company vehicles
- Driving under company direction
- Accidents during company events like employee trips
📋 Actions Companies Should Take Immediately
To minimize risk, implement the following measures:
Risk Management Checklist
【At Hiring】
- ☐ Make license verification mandatory
- ☐ For international permits, confirm entry date
- ☐ Keep copies of licenses
- ☐ Extra caution for non-member country nationals
【Regular Management】
- ☐ Create license expiration tracking system
- ☐ Annual license verification
- ☐ Check license status for foreigners past 1 year
- ☐ Codify company vehicle usage regulations
【Education & Support】
- ☐ Japanese traffic rule training (multilingual)
- ☐ Distribute accident response manuals
- ☐ Support Japanese license conversion
- ☐ Provide alternative transportation until conversion
【Insurance & Contracts】
- ☐ Confirm voluntary insurance enrollment
- ☐ Unlimited liability coverage
- ☐ Verify foreign employees covered
- ☐ Establish company vehicle management regulations
💼 Utilizing Specialists
For complex foreign license systems and residence status issues, consulting specialists like immigration lawyers is recommended:
- License conversion procedure support
- Internal regulation creation/review
- Regular compliance checks
- Response advice when accidents occur
7. Immigration Lawyer’s Advice: Preventing Accidents
🎯 For Foreign Residents
To Drive Safely in Japan
1. Always Verify License Validity
- Check if your country’s license allows driving in Japan
- Check international permit expiration date
- Confirm you haven’t exceeded 1 year since entry
2. Learn Japanese Traffic Rules
- Left-side driving (right-hand drive)
- Sign meanings (especially stop signs, speed limits)
- Traffic light rules
- Railroad crossing procedures
3. Before Renting a Car
- Reconfirm license validity
- Understand insurance coverage
- Get traffic rule materials
- Confirm emergency contacts
4. If You Cause an Accident
- Never flee
- Call 110 (police), 119 (ambulance) if needed
- Say “English (Chinese) speaker please come”
- Contact workplace or acquaintances
5. For Long-term Stays
- Consider converting to Japanese license early after entry
- Consult specialists (immigration lawyers)
- Avoid driving or use alternatives until conversion
🏢 For Companies
Risk Management Points
1. Essential Checks at Hiring
- Make license verification a hiring requirement
- Verify country of origin and license system
- Record entry date (for international permit validity)
2. Regular Verification System
- Annual license renewal checks
- Create expiration tracking ledger
- Alert those past 1 year since entry
3. Education & Support System
- Multilingual traffic rule training
- Accident response manual (multilingual)
- Japanese license conversion support
- Consider subsidizing conversion costs
4. Internal Regulation Development
- Codify company vehicle usage regulations
- Strictly prohibit driving without valid license
- Disciplinary regulations for violations
- Mandatory insurance enrollment
5. Utilizing Specialists
- License system lectures by immigration lawyers
- Regular compliance checks
- Conversion procedure agency/support
- Consultation desk for troubles
⚖️ Immigration Lawyer’s Perspective
This accident highlights many challenges: foreign understanding of traffic rules, awareness of license systems, rental car industry verification systems.
However, most important is the attitude of not excusing with “I didn’t know.”
- Foreigners must verify systems before driving in Japan
- Companies must properly manage foreign employees’ licenses
- Rental companies must strengthen verification systems
- Government must provide clear information and internationalize signs
When each party fulfills their responsibility, such tragic accidents can be prevented.
In Conclusion
Traffic accidents can change lives in an instant. Whether perpetrator or victim, they significantly impact subsequent life.
For foreign residents, “I didn’t know” or “I didn’t understand” is not acceptable.
If you gain the right to drive in Japan, you simultaneously assume the obligation to follow Japanese rules.
For companies, license management of foreign employees is fundamental risk management.
Through proper management and education, protect employees, companies, and society as a whole.
If you have questions about driver’s licenses or residence status,
don’t hesitate to consult specialists.
▼ Original Article (Japanese)
“Didn’t Understand Sign Meaning…” Chinese Tourist Arrested After Fleeing Accident Scene (Yahoo! News)
Author Profile
Immigration lawyer specializing in foreign national legal affairs. Active as a bridge between foreign residents in Japan and Japanese companies through support for visa applications and residence status applications. Provides support tailored to each individual with the motto “clear, courteous, and reliable.”
Related Keywords: Foreign Driver’s License, International Driving Permit, Geneva Convention, License Conversion, Traffic Accident, Hit-and-Run, Chinese License, Rental Car, Employer Liability, Foreign Employment, Risk Management, Immigration Lawyer, Residence Status, Traffic Rules, Stop Sign Violation
