Welcome to Ishikawa! For a safe and trouble-free journey through the prefecture, travelers are advised to use officially licensed taxi services.

For travelers: Prioritize your safety

Officially licensed taxi services provide secure transportation by certified professional drivers. Using unlicensed taxi services—often referred to as “shirotaku” or “white taxis”—is illegal and can place you at significant risk.

・Insurance coverage:

Accidents involving unlicensed vehicles may not be covered by standard insurance policies, meaning you may be liable for subsequent costs.

・Risk of criminal association:

Using unlicensed taxi services may unknowingly involve you in criminal activities or organized crime.

・Identifying legal taxis:

Before entering a vehicle, always check the license plate. Legal taxis have green license plates. Vehicles with white license plates do not have commercial passenger licenses and are prohibited from providing taxi services for a fee.

For drivers: Respect local regulations

Operating a paid transportation service requires strict adherence to safety regulations and a valid business license. Doing so without this license is a serious offense under Japanese law.

・Severe legal penalties:

Violations can result in up to 3 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to 3 million yen, or both.

・Impact on residency status:

A criminal conviction may lead to visa revocation and deportation. Do not jeopardize a future in Japan for illegal profit.

For more information on how to travel safely and respect local regulations, please refer to the following:
・Flyer to travelers
・Flyer to drivers