Japan has two DUI offenses: driving with blood alcohol above 0.15mg/L (Road Traffic Act Art. 65, 117-2-2: up to 3 years imprisonment or ¥500,000 fine, license suspension 90 days to revocation 2 years) and driving while intoxicated regardless of level (Art. 117-2: up to 5 years or ¥1,000,000, revocation 3 years). Dangerous driving causing death/injury (Auto Driving Act Art. 2) carries up to 20 years. Post-arrest: 48hr police custody (CPC Art. 203), 24hr for prosecution decision (Art. 205), up to 20 days detention (Art. 208).
Drunk Driving Penalties in Japan: Criminal and Administrative Consequences
Key Takeaways
- ✓Driving with alcohol carries up to 3 years imprisonment or ¥500,000 fine
- ✓Driving while intoxicated carries heavier penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment
- ✓Drunk driving results in immediate license revocation
- ✓Passengers and those who provided alcohol also face penalties
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