The Illegal Taxi You Should Avoid at All Costs
"Shiroutaku," a Japanese slang term short for "shiroutakushii" (amateur taxi), refers to the illegal act of charging passengers for rides in a private vehicle (one with a white license plate) without the necessary government permit from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
In Japan, operating a taxi service requires a "General Passenger Car Transport Business" license, and vehicles with this permit have green license plates.
The Illegality and Penalties of Shiroutaku
The act of operating a shiroutaku violates the Road Transport Act, a law designed to ensure passenger safety and the healthy development of the public transportation industry. Because shiroutaku operations do not meet the required permits and strict standards, they are subject to the following penalties:
Imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen.
Administrative actions such as the suspension or revocation of a driver's license.
Risks of Using a Shiroutaku
While shiroutaku services may seem appealing due to their lower fares, the ability to communicate in Japanese, or the ease of hailing one through an app, especially for foreign tourists, they pose significant risks to the user.
Safety Issues:
Unlike authorized taxis, the fitness, driving skills, and vehicle maintenance of shiroutaku drivers are not regulated. There is a possibility that the driver is fatigued, under the influence of alcohol, or otherwise in an unsafe condition.
Lack of Compensation in Case of an Accident:
In the event of an accident, a private car's voluntary insurance policy is usually void if the vehicle was used for commercial purposes. This means there is a high risk of not receiving adequate compensation for medical expenses or damages.
Financial and Criminal Trouble:
Due to the lack of a clear fare system, users risk being unfairly overcharged or getting involved in other financial disputes. Additionally, since the driver's identity is not guaranteed, there is a possibility of being a victim of crime, such as robbery or assault.
The Difference from the Japanese Ride-Sharing System
The "Japanese ride-sharing system," which was introduced in some regions from April 2024, is similar to shiroutaku in that general drivers use their private cars for paid transport. However, their legal standing is completely different.
Japanese Ride-Sharing:
This is a legal service managed by taxi companies. They are responsible for overseeing operations, and they strictly vet drivers and check vehicle maintenance. Operations are limited to specific times and areas and are conducted under the management of the taxi business.
Shiroutaku:
This is an illegal act performed without any operational oversight, disregarding legal procedures and safety standards.
Shiroutaku may seem convenient, but it hides many risks. For safe and secure travel in Japan, be sure to use only authorized taxis with green license plates.
How to Choose a Reliable Taxi Company
When looking for a safe and reliable taxi company, you can generally check for these points:
Major Taxi Companies: Large companies invest heavily in driver training, vehicle maintenance, and health management, so you can ride with peace of mind.
Green License Plates: Based on Japanese law, all commercial vehicles must have green license plates. This is the most important way to confirm that a taxi is not an illegal "shiroutaku."
Ride-Hailing Apps: Using apps provided by major taxi companies allows you to see clear information about the driver and the vehicle, ensuring a safe ride.
Major Taxi Companies in Tokyo
Based on common reputation and search results, the following four companies are highly regarded for their safety. They are collectively known as the "Big Four of Tokyo."
Nihon Kotsu:
As the largest company in the industry with over 90 years of history, Nihon Kotsu focuses on improving driver quality with its unique "Gold Driver" system, which meets its own strict standards. The company actively introduces vehicles with high-level safety features like collision-prevention braking and thoroughly conducts regular inspections at its own maintenance facilities.
Daiwa Motor Transportation:
This company was the first taxi company to be publicly listed. With "Daiwa's Omotenashi (hospitality)" as its business philosophy, it continuously works to improve its services. It consistently receives the highest "Excellent Operator" ranking from the Tokyo Taxi Center's Taxi Operator Ranking System, showcasing its high reliability.
Kokusai Motorcars (km taxi):
The company strictly enforces safety through its driver education systems, health checks, and alcohol screenings. In recent years, it has been updating its fleet with vehicles equipped with the latest safety features, providing high-quality service.
Teito Motor Transportation:
While a bit smaller than the other "Big Four" companies, Teito has a well-established education and support system that allows even inexperienced drivers to work with confidence, helping to maintain high driver quality.
These major taxi companies prioritize passenger safety and focus on vehicle maintenance, driver health management, and comprehensive safety training. When traveling in Tokyo, choosing one of these companies or a reliable taxi you can confirm through a ride-hailing app will ensure you have a safe and secure journey.