Amidst Okinawa’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture, military personnel and their families stationed on the island must adhere to unfamiliar regulations, particularly drinking and driving in Okinawa. During your time on the island, you will hear “not one drop” said often, and signs boasting the phrase will be posted throughout installations. This is because Japanese drinking laws are stricter than those in the U.S.. Alcohol related offenses can be avoided, careers can continue, and lives can be saved if we engage in smart decision making.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Drinking and driving in Okinawa with a blood alcohol content of .03%-0.079%, on or off base, will result in a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge. For most, .03% is the result of consuming only one drink. This violation results in an automatic revocation of driving privileges for 1 year.

Keep in mind that if you drank a large amount of alcohol late at night, tried to sleep it off, then drove in the morning, you can still be well over the .03 limit. It is important to ensure there is enough time to metabolize the amount of alcohol consumed before drinking and driving in Okinawa.

Intoxicated Driving

Drinking and driving in Okinawa with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more, on or off base, will result in an Intoxicated Driving charge. This violation results in an automatic revocation of driving privileges for 3 years.

Intoxicated Passenger

A passenger in a vehicle where the driver is Driving Under the Influence or Intoxicated Driving is subject to the same penalty as the driver. Under this violation, evidence must show the passenger was aware or should have reasonably been aware the driver was under the influence.

Random DUI Checkpoints

Each installation’s Security Forces conducts random breath test checkpoints using Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) equipment. Refusal to submit to the test is considered refusal of the below implied consent rule.

Implied Consent to Blood, Breath, or Urine Test

Japan is the legal issuing authority for U.S. Forces to operate a SOFA registered vehicle on and off military installations. Implied consent is a pre-condition for anyone operating a SOFA registered vehicle in Japan, regardless of location. This consent applies when lawfully detained, apprehended, or cited for any impaired or intoxicated driving offense committed while driving or in physical control of a vehicle. Failure to take or complete a lawfully requested test is considered a refusal and will result in an immediate suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

Japanese Police

If a driver is pulled over by Japanese Police while driving and signs of intoxication are observed or an odor of alcohol is emitting from the driver, the driver and all passengers can be charged with alcohol offenses under Japanese Law. Japanese authorities can detain offenders for days, months, or even years depending on the violation.

Bottom Line of Drinking and Driving in Okinawa

Can you have fun and go out drinking? Absolutely. But have a plan. Take a taxi. Call your boss. These rules are in place to keep everyone safe. If you do find yourself stopped by police after drinking, stay calm, follow their instructions, and call a lawyer. Not 1 drop!

Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on moving to Okinawa.