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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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2025-10-01Traffic
🪪 Foreign License Conversion Tightened
10→50 questions, 70%→90% pass mark, residence certificate required
50
Questions
90%
Pass mark
Required
Residence cert.
Blocked
Tourists
❓ What changed?
On October 1, 2025, the National Police Agency significantly tightened the requirements for converting a foreign driver's license to a Japanese one ("gaimen-kirikae"). The knowledge test, practical test, and address requirements have all been strengthened.
🔄 Three Key Changes
Knowledge test: 10 questions, pass at 7/10 (70%)
Knowledge test: 50 questions, pass at 45/50 (90%)
Address requirement: none (residence registration not needed)
Residence certificate required; short-term tourists cannot apply
Practical test: basic operation check
Strict assessment of Japanese traffic rules and safe driving
👥 Who is affected?
- ●All foreigners wanting to drive in Japan
- ●Those holding a valid overseas driver's license
- ●Mid- to long-term residents (with residence certificate)
- ●Short-term visitors (tourist visa) cannot apply
📄 Required Documents (2026)
- ✓Valid foreign driver's license + Japanese translation
- ✓Residence certificate (issued within 3 months)
- ✓Passport (including past entry/exit records)
- ✓Residence card
- ✓Application photo (3cm × 2.4cm, taken within 6 months)
- ✓Driving history proof (3+ months of driving in home country)
💡 Key points to know
1Without a residence certificate, you cannot apply at all
2Tests are available in Japanese, English, Chinese, etc. (varies by prefecture)
3The 50-question knowledge test covers signs, traffic rules, and accident response
4If you fail, you must retake the test. Some areas have long wait times
5Practical test is by reservation; waits of weeks to months are common
🔗 Related Issues
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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.