Since December 2023, safety driving managers in Japan have been required to use alcohol detectors to check drivers for alcohol consumption and to keep proper records. As we approach the cherry‑blossom season, when opportunities to enjoy alcoholic beverages increase, this is a good time to review the key points of alcohol checks.

An alcohol check is conducted before driving by measuring the driver’s breath alcohol concentration with an alcohol detector to confirm that they are in a safe condition to operate a vehicle. These records must also be stored for the legally required retention period. As a general rule, employees are allowed to drive company vehicles only when the reading is 0.00 mg.
So, what does the law say?

1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI based on numerical alcohol level)
This offense is established when the driver’s breath alcohol concentration is 0.15 mg/L or higher. The penalty points vary depending on the level detected.
- Breath alcohol level: 0.15 mg/L to less than 0.25 mg/L
- Penalty: Imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen
- Demerit points: 13 points (driver’s license suspension for 90 days)
- Breath alcohol level: 0.25 mg/L or higher
- Penalty: Same as above (imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen)
- Demerit points: 25 points (driver’s license revocation; disqualification period of 2 years or more)

2. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI based on impaired condition)
This offense is established when the driver is judged to be unable to operate a vehicle safely, regardless of the alcohol concentration.
- Penalty: Imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen
- Demerit points: 35 points (driver’s license revocation; disqualification period of 3 years or more)

Japan’s Road Traffic Law imposes strict penalties not only on the driver but also on the people around them. For example:
- “No one may provide alcoholic beverages or encourage drinking to a person who may be required to drive a vehicle.”
- “No one may ride in a vehicle being driven by a person who is under the influence of alcohol.”
These rules make it clear that drunk driving is not only the driver’s responsibility. Anyone who offers alcohol, encourages drinking, or knowingly rides with an intoxicated driver can also face severe penalties.

Not only the driver but also the following actions are subject to legal penalties in Japan:
- Vehicle provider — lending a vehicle to someone who may drive under the influence
— Penalty: Same as the driver (for driving while intoxicated: imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen)
- Person who provides alcohol or a passenger who encourages or enables drunk driving
— If the driver is intoxicated (SAKEYOI): Imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen
— If the driver is over the legal limit (SYUKIOBI): Imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine of up to 300,000 yen
These rules emphasize that drunk driving is not only the driver’s responsibility—anyone who contributes to or allows the situation can also be punished.

To protect ourselves and the people around us, it is essential to conduct alcohol checks properly and ensure that we drive safely. Please stay safe, everyone！



Reference: Metropolitan Police Department website
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kotsu/torishimari/inshu_info/inshu_bassoku.html

https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kotsu/jikoboshi/torikumi/kotsu_joho/inshu.files/202506.pdf