Navigating narrow streets, deciphering Kanji road signs, and driving on the left side of the road significantly increases the risk of a minor fender-bender for foreign tourists in Japan. While getting into a car accident in a foreign country is stressful, the Japanese legal process is highly systematic.
If you are involved in an accident—even a tiny scrape against a guardrail—you must follow strict legal procedures. Failing to report an accident to the police invalidates your rental car insurance and can lead to criminal hit-and-run charges. Here is exactly what you must do.
Step 1: Stop Immediately and Secure Safety
The moment an accident occurs, stop the vehicle immediately. Turn on your hazard lights. If the car is driveable and blocking traffic on a busy road, move it safely to the shoulder. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance immediately by dialing 119.
Step 2: Call the Police (Dial 110)
Under Japanese law, every single traffic accident, no matter how minor, MUST be reported to the police. If you scrape a rental car against a wall in an empty parking lot, you still must call the police.
⚠️ The Insurance Trap
Rental car insurance (CDW/NOC) will not pay out unless you obtain a Police Accident Certificate (Jiko Shomeisho). If you make a private deal with the other driver and leave the scene without calling the police, you will be personally liable for 100% of the repair costs.
How to call the police if you don't speak Japanese:
- Dial 110.
- When the operator answers, clearly state: "English please". In major cities, they will connect you to a translator.
- If no translator is available, say: "Jiko desu" (It is an accident).
- Provide your location. If you don't know where you are, find a nearby vending machine (they have addresses printed on them) or ask a local passerby to speak into the phone.
Step 3: Call Your Rental Car Company
While waiting for the police to arrive, immediately call the emergency hotline provided by your rental car agency. They must be notified promptly. They will often speak to the police on your behalf over the phone and arrange for a tow truck if the vehicle is undriveable.
Step 4: The Police Investigation
When the police arrive, they will secure the scene, take photographs, and interview both parties. You must present the following documents:
| Document Required | Why They Need It |
|---|---|
| Passport | To verify your identity and tourist visa status. |
| Domestic License & IDP / Translation | To prove you are driving legally in Japan. |
| Shaken-sho (Vehicle Inspection Certificate) | Located in the rental car's glovebox. |
💡 Do Not Apologize or Accept Fault
In Japanese culture, apologizing is a reflex to maintain harmony. However, in an accident, apologizing can be legally construed as an admission of 100% liability. Be polite, state the facts clearly to the police, but let the insurance companies determine the official fault ratio.
What Happens Next?
If it is a minor property damage accident (Bussun Jiko), the police process takes about an hour, and you are free to go. If the car is damaged but driveable, you must return it to the rental agency and pay the Non-Operation Charge (NOC), which is usually 20,000 JPY. The comprehensive insurance will cover the rest.
The Worst Time to Find Out Your Documents Are Invalid
If you get into an accident and hand the police a fake online IDP, or lack the required JAF translation for your European license, you will be arrested on the spot. Ensure you are driving 100% legally before your trip.
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