Allowing tourists to ride go-karts without a driver’s license in Japan, ride operator arrested

Public Japan Lately I’ve been worried about reckless tourists riding go-karts. Behind that there is a large space for the tourist who gives permission.

Reporting from The Asahi Shimbun on Friday (11/10), a ride-hailing company in Tokyo reportedly allowed tourists to hit the streets without a valid driver’s license. The tour company was referred to prosecutors.

According to investigative sources, the Metropolitan Police Department filed a letter on September 3 against the manager of a go-kart rental company headquartered in the capital’s Ota District.

The tour company manager in his 40s allegedly rented out go-karts to two foreign tourists who did not have a driving license in April. Worse still, they broke a road traffic law which caused an accident.

The two tourists were from countries that are not signatories to the Geneva Convention, meaning their international driving licenses were not valid in Japan.

One of the tourists caused an accident with property damage. They were arrested on the spot on suspicion of driving without a license.

The manager admitted that he was familiar with the rules regarding international licensing, but did not provide adequate training to other employees.

The case was referred to the district attorney’s office with a special request for conviction.

The popularity of the go-karting experience among international tourists in Tokyo has increased in recent years. People are starting to worry about their safety because tourists are driving recklessly.

On October 9, five international tourists dressed as characters from popular video games were seen driving go-karts on the streets of Tokyo.

Led by a guide, the group explores iconic sights such as Tokyo Tower, Roppongi, and the Shibuya Intersection. At traffic lights, guides even get out of their vehicles and take pictures of tourists in go-karts.

According to the International Driving Permit Information Center (IDPIC), street go-kart rental businesses targeting international tourists have been operating in Tokyo for about eight years.

The growing number of international tourists has fueled demand for these unique experiences, leading to an increase in the number of businesses. Currently, around 20 companies operate at least 350 go-karts in Tokyo.

Similar services are also available in other regions of Japan, including Osaka and Okinawa prefectures.

Along with the increase in popularity of karting tourism is an increase in the number of accidents.

Police data shows that there were seven accidents with street go-karts in Tokyo between January and August, all of which resulted in minor injuries.

In addition, there were 18 accidents resulting in property damage and 134 emergency calls related to dangerous driving in the same period. Violations reported include using a phone while driving and illegal parking.

In February, the police sent out a notice to karting tour operators, urging them to check customers’ driving licenses, emphasize traffic rules, and prevent drivers from getting out. from vehicles in the middle of the road to take pictures.

Although operators are currently not required to obtain permits or licenses to start a go-kart rental business, experts are calling for stricter regulation of the industry.

“The government should introduce a licensing system for these businesses to ensure that foreign tourists drive safely,” said Ryutaro Matsushima, IDPIC representative director.

(bln/bln)