Japan's Ministry of Justice is accelerating efforts to reform dangerous driving laws, introducing specific numerical criteria that could significantly impact workplace safety standards for foreign residents working in transportation and delivery sectors. According to NHK, the Legislative Council subcommittee has proposed concrete benchmarks to clarify when dangerous driving causing death or injury charges should apply. The proposed reforms center on establishing clear numerical thresholds for what constitutes dangerous driving. For drunk driving cases, the draft proposal sets the standard at 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per liter of breath or higher. This represents a crucial shift from the current system, where dangerous driving charges often depend on subjective assessments of impairment. The reforms also include specific speed thresholds for excessive speeding, though the exact figures are still under discussion within the subcommittee. These changes hold particular significance for expats working in Japan's growing gig economy and delivery services. Many foreign residents are employed as delivery drivers for food apps, logistics companies, or ride-sharing services. Under current law, prosecutors must prove that a driver's impairment or reckless behavior directly caused an accident, creating ambiguity that sometimes results in lesser charges. The new numerical standards aim to remove this gray area, making it easier to prosecute serious traffic offenses. According to NHK's coverage, families of victims killed by dangerous drivers have expressed support for the reforms. One bereaved family member whose relative was killed in a hit-and-run by a drunk driver stated they "believe this will serve as a deterrent." The current dangerous driving causing death or injury law has faced criticism for being difficult to apply consistently, sometimes allowing offenders to receive lighter sentences under ordinary traffic violation charges instead. For foreign workers, these reforms underscore the importance of strict compliance with traffic laws, particularly regarding alcohol consumption. Japan already maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and immediate visa complications. The proposed reforms would make serious cases even more consequential, with dangerous driving causing death carrying penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, compared to seven years for ordinary negligent driving. Employers in the transportation sector may also face increased scrutiny under these reforms. Companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers comply with safety standards, and corporate liability could extend to cases where employees commit dangerous driving offenses while working. Foreign residents employed by delivery platforms or logistics companies should verify that their employers provide adequate safety training and maintain proper insurance coverage. The Legislative Council is expected to finalize its recommendations to the Justice Minister in the coming months, with the reforms potentially becoming law within the next year. Once enacted, the changes would apply uniformly to all drivers in Japan, regardless of nationality. However, foreign residents should be particularly aware that serious criminal convictions can result in visa revocation and deportation, making compliance even more critical for the expat community. The reforms also reflect Japan's broader commitment to workplace safety and accountability. With the country's aging population and labor shortages leading to increased employment of foreign workers in transportation roles, clear legal standards help protect both workers and the public. The numerical criteria will make it easier for everyone—including those unfamiliar with Japanese legal nuances—to understand exactly what behaviors constitute serious offenses. For expats living and working in Japan, these proposed changes serve as a reminder to prioritize traffic safety, ensure complete sobriety when driving, and understand that Japan's legal system is moving toward stricter enforcement of dangerous driving offenses. Whether you drive for work or personal reasons, staying informed about these evolving standards is essential for maintaining legal status and ensuring public safety.