- July 14, 2025
- No Comments
- BELONGING JAPAN
Shaken (車検) is Japan’s mandatory vehicle inspection system to ensure cars remain safe and meet environmental standards. It is required every two years after the first inspection and includes various fees—some set by law and others depending on the condition of your car or the service provider.
This article breaks down the typical costs involved in Shaken, what each fee covers, and what to expect when preparing for your vehicle inspection in Japan.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: What is Shaken?
Shaken (pronounced sha-ken) is the common term for Japan’s mandatory vehicle inspection system. Officially known as the “Motor Vehicle Inspection and Registration System” (自動車検査登録制度), it ensures that vehicles on the road meet safety and environmental standards set by the government.
Under Japanese law, almost all vehicles must undergo Shaken—this includes cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The only exception is small special-purpose vehicles (小型特殊自動車), which are not required to complete this inspection. Additionally, motorcycles with engine displacements of 251cc or more are also legally required to undergo Shaken.
The system is designed not only to keep roads safe but also to help reduce environmental impact by ensuring that vehicles meet emissions standards.
Related Post
Chapter 2: Driving with Expired Shaken
Driving a vehicle with expired Shaken (shaken-gire, 車検切れ) is a serious violation of Japanese traffic law. It can lead to severe legal consequences and put other drivers at risk.
Legal Penalties
1. Expired Shaken
Under the Road Vehicles Act (道路運送車両法) and the Road Traffic Act (道路交通法), penalties for driving with expired Shaken include:
Up to 6 months in prison or
A fine of up to ¥300,000
6 penalty points added to your driver’s license
License suspension (typically 30 days)
Possible vehicle impoundment
2. Missing Mandatory Liability Insurance
If the vehicle also lacks Mandatory Automobile Liability Insurance (自賠責保険), it violates the Automobile Liability Security Act (自動車損害賠償保障法). This results in additional penalties:
Up to 1 year in prison or
A fine of up to ¥500,000
6 additional penalty points
License suspension or revocation
3. Combined Expiry Penalties
If both Shaken and insurance have expired at the same time, you may face combined penalties:
Imprisonment of up to 1 year and 6 months
Fines of up to ¥800,000
License suspension up to 90 days
Source:
- Road Vehicles Act: Article 58 & 108
- Automobile Liability Security Act: Articles 5 & 86-3
Chapter 3: How to Check the Shaken Expiry Date
It’s important to keep track of your vehicle’s Shaken expiry date to avoid penalties. Here are the easiest ways to check it:
1. Check the Shaken Sticker on Your Windshield
Every vehicle that has passed Shaken inspection receives a square sticker placed in the upper center of the front windshield. The sticker shows:
The month and year when the next Shaken is due
Written in Japanese, using large numbers for the month and smaller numbers (or a code) for the year
Example: A sticker that says “7” with a smaller “6” may indicate July of Reiwa 7, which is July 2025.
2. Check the Shaken Certificate
The official inspection certificate (usually stored in the glove compartment) includes:
Vehicle details
Last inspection date
Expiry date in Japanese calendar format
If you’re unsure how to read Japanese dates, you can use an online converter or ask for help at the inspection center or car dealership.
Related Post
3. Check with Your Car Dealer or Leasing Company
If you purchased or lease your car through a dealer, they often notify you when Shaken is due. Some companies send reminder postcards or emails.
Chapter 4: When and How Often is Shaken Required?
| Vehicle Type | First Shaken | After That |
|---|---|---|
|
Passenger Car (Private) |
3 years after first registration |
Every 2 years |
|
Light Vehicle |
3 years after first registration |
Every 2 years |
|
Motorcycle (251cc or more) |
3 years after first registration |
Every 2 years |
Notes:
Until March 2025, Shaken can be renewed up to 1 month early without affecting the next due date.
From April 2025, inspections can be done up to 2 months before the expiration date without changing the cycle.
Related Post
Chapter 5: What’s Needed for Shaken?
To renew your Shaken, you’ll need to prepare a few documents and be aware of the expected costs. Whether you go through a dealership, a certified garage, or a DIY route at a Land Transport Office, the requirements are generally the same.
Required Documents
To renew your Shaken, you’ll need to prepare a few documents and be aware of the expected costs. Whether you go through a dealership, a certified garage, or a DIY route at a Land Transport Office, the requirements are generally the same.
| English | Romaji | Kanji | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vehicle Inspection Certificate |
Shaken-shō |
車検証 |
Official proof of your vehicle’s registration and inspection history. |
|
Compulsory Insurance Certificate |
Jibaiseki Hoken Shōmeisho |
自賠責保険証明書 |
Required proof of mandatory automobile liability insurance coverage. |
|
Vehicle Tax Payment Certificate |
Jidōsha-zei Nōzei Shōmeisho |
自動車税納税証明書 |
Receipt or proof that you’ve paid your annual vehicle tax. |
|
Personal Seal (if required) |
Inkan |
印鑑 |
May be needed when doing Shaken at the Land Transport Office (not always). |
Related Post
Shaken Costs in Japan
The total cost of shaken includes three main parts:
- Legal Fees
- Inspection Service Fee
- Parts Replacement Fee
1. Legal Fees
These are fixed fees required by law and must be paid no matter where you get your shaken done.
| English | Romaji | Kanji | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Compulsory Insurance |
Jibaiseki Hoken |
自賠責保険 |
Mandatory insurance that covers injury liability |
|
Vehicle Weight Tax |
Jidōsha Jūryōzei |
自動車重量税 |
Tax based on the vehicle’s weight, age, and eco-car status |
|
Inspection Stamp Fee |
Inshidai |
印紙代 |
Fee for the actual inspection paperwork and stamp |
Compulsory Insurance
| Vehicle Type | Price |
|---|---|
|
Regular car |
¥21,550 |
|
Light Vehicle |
¥21,140 |
Vehicle Weight Tax (for 2 Years)
The amount of this tax depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s weight, age, fuel efficiency, and emissions rating. It also varies based on the vehicle category as shown on the registration certificate. For private passenger cars, the tax increases in 0.5-ton increments. Eco-friendly vehicles may qualify for reduced rates.
| Weight | Eco-car | Standard | Over 13 yrs | Over 18 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Up to 0.5t |
¥5,000 |
¥8,200 |
¥11,400 |
¥12,600 |
|
Up to 1.0t |
¥10,000 |
¥16,400 |
¥22,800 |
¥25,200 |
|
Up to 1.5t |
¥15,000 |
¥24,600 |
¥34,200 |
¥37,800 |
|
Up to 2.0t |
¥20,000 |
¥32,800 |
¥45,600 |
¥50,400 |
|
Up to 2.5t |
¥25,000 |
¥41,000 |
¥57,000 |
¥63,000 |
|
Light Vehicle |
¥5,000 |
¥6,600 |
¥8,200 |
¥8,800 |
Inspection Stamp Fee
This fee covers the cost of the official inspection stamp required for vehicle inspection. The amount varies based on the type of vehicle and whether the inspection is performed at a certified or designated inspection facility.
| Vehicle Type | Certified Facility | Designated Facility |
|---|---|---|
|
Light Vehicle |
¥1,400 |
¥1,100 |
|
Regular car (5-series plate) |
¥1,700 |
¥1,200 |
|
Regular car (3-series plate) |
¥1,800 |
¥1,200 |
Related Post
2. Inspection Service Fee
This is what you pay to the shop or dealership that performs the shaken. It usually includes:
24-month inspection and maintenance
Test preparation
Administrative paperwork
| Provider | Approximate Cost (not including legal fees) |
|---|---|
|
Dealership |
¥40,000 and up |
|
Auto repair shop |
¥30,000 and up |
|
Gas station |
¥20,000 and up |
3. Parts Replacement Fee
Additional parts may need replacement depending on the condition of your car. This cost varies,
Common Examples of Replacement Costs:
Engine oil: Around ¥4,000
Brake pads: Around ¥15,000
Total (example): Approximately ¥20,000
Chapter 5: Where to Get Shaken Done?
In Japan, you can get your shaken inspection done at a variety of places. Each option varies in terms of cost, convenience, and included services:
Dealerships
Car dealerships often provide shaken as part of their vehicle maintenance packages. They tend to be more expensive, but offer detailed service and genuine parts.Certified Auto Repair Shops (指定工場 / Shitei Kōjō)
These are government-designated shops authorized to complete inspections and issue certificates on-site. They offer a good balance between quality and cost.Authorized but Non-Designated Shops (認証工場 / Ninshō Kōjō)
These shops are certified to perform inspections but must take your vehicle to the inspection center for final approval. It may take longer but can be cheaper.Gas Stations
Many full-service gas stations in Japan offer shaken inspections. Prices are often competitive, and they may include discounts or promotions.Auto Supply Stores (e.g., Yellow Hat, Autobacs)
These chain stores provide convenient shaken packages that often include maintenance services, car cleaning, and estimates for additional repairs.DIY (User Shaken / ユーザー車検)
If you’re confident in your knowledge of cars and Japanese paperwork, you can book an inspection slot at the local Transport Bureau and handle the process yourself. It’s the cheapest option but also the most time-consuming.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Shaken is a key part of car ownership in Japan. It keeps your vehicle safe, legal, and properly insured. While the process can seem complicated at first, understanding the basic costs—like mandatory fees, inspection charges, and possible part replacements—makes it easier to plan ahead.
Whether you go through a dealership, a local repair shop, or handle it yourself, knowing your options helps you choose what’s best for your needs and budget. Staying on top of shaken not only keeps you compliant with the law, but also ensures your car stays in good condition.
With the right information and preparation, the shaken process becomes much more manageable—and can even save you money in the long run.
