when you are driving abroad for the first time
Make sure you know all the fundamental traffic rules and manners in order to avoid accidents and other trouble.
Fundamental traffic rules
1. Left-hand traffic
1. Left-hand traffic
In Japan, traffic keeps to the left side of the road.
2. Wait when making a right hand turn
2. Wait when making a right hand turn
Vehicles continuing straight and making left-hand turns have the right of way.
3. Always stop at red lights
3. Always stop at red lights
You must always stop your vehicle at red lights.
4. Follow green arrow signals
4. Follow green arrow signals
At red lights, you may proceed only in the direction indicated by the green arrow.
5. Be careful of the speed limit
5. Be careful of the speed limit
The speed limit is as follows if nothing is posted:
General roads: 60 km/h. Highways: 100 km/h
General roads: 60 km/h. Highways: 100 km/h
6. Be careful when overtaking other cars
6. Be careful when overtaking other cars
Never overtake other cars in prohibited areas.
7. When stopping, make sure to come to a complete stop
7. When stopping, make sure to come to a complete stop
Failure to come to a complete stop at locations where stopping is required is against the law. This is also true of railroad crossings.
8. Do not use your cell phone when driving
8. Do not use your cell phone when driving
Cell phone use while driving is prohibited by law.
9. Do not drink and drive
9. Do not drink and drive
Do not drive after consuming alcohol. Passengers who did not drink and anyone who encouraged the driver to drink will also be punished.
