What is the Japan dashcam directive?

It is an NPA instruction, dated February 22, telling prefectural police to respond when ticketed drivers ask to review drive recorder footage. The move follows the Kanagawa misconduct scandal. It aims to improve fairness, evidence handling, and transparency, while the NPA also studies AI-based tools for future traffic enforcement.

How could the directive affect the drive recorder market?

We expect more households, SMEs, and fleets to install or upgrade cameras for clearer night and wide-angle video. Vendors that offer secure cloud backups, easy clip sharing, and audit trails should gain. The policy focus on verifiable footage supports recurring revenue from storage, compliance features, and service bundles.

What does this mean for insurtech Japan and insurers?

Insurers can use authenticated dashcam files to speed claims and reduce fraud. Expect pilots that test automatic clip ingestion, timestamp checks, and collision scoring. Carriers may offer premium discounts for approved models. Vendors with strong privacy controls and chain-of-custody features will likely lead early deployments.

How might AI traffic enforcement be deployed in Japan?

Authorities are exploring tools that detect red-light events, tailgating, or phone use. Early programs will likely remain pilot-scale with human review, privacy safeguards, and appeal routes. Systems that explain decisions and keep evidence trails should see faster acceptance by prefectures and courts.

Law and Government

February 22: Japan Police Dashcam Directive Puts Insurtech, AI in Focus

ByDanny Kontos February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

On February 22, the Japan dashcam directive from the National Police Agency responds to the Kanagawa misconduct scandal and reshapes traffic enforcement. Prefectural forces are told to honor motorists’ requests to review drive recorder footage, while the NPA studies AI-based enforcement tools. For investors, this puts insurtech Japan, analytics, and the drive recorder market in focus. We see rising demand for consumer and fleet devices, data services, and compliance tech. The shift also pressures vendors to prove privacy, auditability, and accuracy nationwide.