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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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Traffic
8 itemsLatest information on Japan's traffic rules, licenses, and public transport
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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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2026-04-01
Highway Late-Night Discount Slashed! 10PM-6AM→12AM-4AM
From April 2026, ETC late-night discount window halved from 10PM-6AM to 12AM-4AM. 30% off rate stays but only 4 hours. Affects rental car tourists & logistics.
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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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2026-03-31
Vehicle Environmental Performance Tax Abolished! Up to ¥90,000 Savings
Environmental performance levy abolished March 31, 2026. Save up to ¥90,000 buying a car after April. Biggest benefit for gasoline cars. EVs already tax-free.
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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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2020-05-20
Shinkansen Oversized Luggage Requires Reservation!
Oversized luggage (over 160cm total) on Shinkansen requires advance reservation. ¥1,000 fee without reservation. Easy booking via SmartEX app.