35●

1 RegulatorySigns 〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉

3Indicates the directions in which traffic in each lanemust proceed from the intersection.

41. Lane Direction Designations

Vehicles and streetcars must slowdown.

50. Slow Down

徐行

（329）

（327-7-D）（327-7-C）（327-7-B）（327-7-A）

Indicates that vehicles on the crossstreet at the upcoming intersectionhave the right of way and that vehiclesand streetcars must slow down andyield to cross traffic.

51. Give Way

徐行

前方優先道路

（329-2）

When executing right turns, mopedsmust proceed along the side of theintersection and use the two-step rightturn method.

42. Two-Step Right Turn for Mopeds

原付

（327-8）

Vehicles and streetcars must come toa stop immediately before the intersec-tion (if there is a stop line, immediatelybefore the stop line).

52. Stop

止まれ

（330）

When executing right turns, mopedsmust move to the center of the roadwaybeforehand (to the right side of theroadway if the road is one way) anduse the direct right turn method.

43. Direct Right Turn for Mopeds

原付 原付

（327-9）

Vehicles must park parallel to the edgeof the road.

45. Parallel Parking

平行駐車

（327-11）

Vehicles must park perpendicular tothe edge of the road.

46. Perpendicular Parking

直角駐車

（327-12）

Vehicles must park at an oblique angleto the edge of the road.

47. Diagonal Parking

斜め駐車

（327-13）

Indicates a location where vehiclesand streetcars are required to soundtheir horns.

（328）

48. Sound Horn

Pedestrians must not proceed.

53. Closed to Pedestrians

通行止

（331）

Pedestrians must not cross the road.

54. Crossing by Pedestrians Prohibited

横断禁止

（332）

Indicates a zone where vehicles andstreetcars are required to sound theirhorns.

49. Sounding Zone

（328-2）

At roundabout vehicles must drivearound in clockwise direction.

44. Roundabout - Drive Around in Clockwise Direction

（327-10）

Obeying

Traffic

Signsa

ndPavementM

arkings

●38

1. Direction toExpressway

東名高速 TOMEI EXPWY

（103-A）

首 都 高 速 SHUTO EXPWY

空港 新 宿 Airport Shinjuku

（103-B）

EXIT

4

出口

横 浜 Yokohama

（113-A） （117-A） （117-B）

EXIT出口

4 横浜 Yokohama

（113-B）

2. Advance Notice ofEntrance to Expressway

名神高速 MEISHIN EXPWY

入 口

150m（104）

3. Destination and Distance

日本橋 10Km

日比谷 7Km

Nihonbashi

Hibiya

（106-A）

横浜 Yokohama

11 km4厚木 Atsugi

26 km5静岡 Shizuoka

153 km（106-B）

大 阪 Osaka （107-A）

本 線 THRU TRAFFIC（107-B）

Kamiuma OmoriNihonbashi

（108-2-B）

大 阪 Osaka

（108-2-E）

4. Destination and Lane

5. Advance Notice ofDestination and Direction

上 馬 Kamiuma

大 森 Omori

日本橋 Nihonbashi

300m

（108-A）

6. Destination andDirection

12. Rest Area and RoadStation Ahead

7. Advance Notice ofDestination, Direction,and Street Name

池 袋 Ikebukuro

渋 谷 Shibuya

市ケ谷 Ichigaya

明治通り

300m

（108-3）

8. Advance Notice ofDestination, Lane, and Exit

宇治

1km5B

京都 Kyoto Uji

EXIT出口

江戸橋 Edobashi

EXIT出口 400m303

（111-A）

（111-B）

20t

20t

（118-3-A）

（118-3-B）

Yokohama Machida

EXIT

横浜 町田

4 出 口

16

Nishikanda

EXIT

西神田 出 口

501

（112-A）

（112-B）

9. Destination and Exit

10. Exit

11. Notable Place

Fujikawa富 士 川 1km Nakai

中 井 1km

13. EmergencyTelephone

非常電話

（116-4）

14. Shelter

待避所

（116-5）

非常駐車帯

（116-6）

15. EmergencyParking Zone

16. Parking Area

17. Slower Traffic

登坂車線 SLOWER TRAFFIC

登坂車線 SLOWER TRAFFIC

18. National HighwayRoute Number

ROUTE142

142

142

（118-A）

（118-B）

（118-C）

142

142

142

（118-2-A）

（118-2-B）

（118-2-C）

19. Prefectural RouteNumber

20. Road where GrossVehicle Weight LimitDoes Not Apply

21. Road where VehicleHeight Limit DoesNot Apply

22. Street Name

23. Incline

24. Bus Stop25. Streetcar Stop

青山通り Aoyama - dori Ave.

渋谷線

3

青山通り

（119-D）

（123-A）

（124-A）

（123-C）

（125-A）

（119-A）

（119-C）

錦ガ浦 Nishikigaura

東京駅 Tokyo Sta. 2Km

（114-A）

（114-A）

日比谷公園 Hibiya Park 500m

（114-B）

4 GuidanceSigns 〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉

（117-2-A）

（117-2-B）

（118-4-A）

（118-4-D）

（116-2-A）

（116-2-C）

●44

6 RegulatoryMarkings 〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉〉

Cen

ter L

ine

Edge

of S

idew

alk

Edge

of R

oad

Cen

ter L

ine

Edge

of

Roa

dway

These markings indicate the routes vehicles must usewhen turning right or left in the intersection.

(1) Right Turn Routes (2) Left Turn Routes

21. Right /Left Turn Route

Vehicles must park within the marked area, parallel tothe edge of the road.

(1) Single VehicleParking

(2) Multiple VehicleParking

23. Parallel Parking

（111） （111）

（112） （112）

Vehicles must park withinthe marked area, perpen-dicular to the edge of theroad.

24. Perpendicular Parking

（113）

Vehicles must park withinthe marked area, at anoblique angle to the edgeof the road.

25. Diagonal Parking

（114）

Indicate the part of thesidewalk bicyclesshould use where theyare allowed to accessthe sidewalk.

27. Bicycle Zone within Sidewalk

（114-3）

Sidewalk

Indicates that bicyclesare permitted toaccess the sidewalk.

26. Regular Bicycles Permitted to Access Sidewalk

（114-2）

Regular bicycles must notenter the intersectionbeyond the pavementmarking.

28. No Entry of Bicycles into Intersection

（114-4）

Designate the end of thetraffic regulations indicat-ed.

29. End of Traffic Regulation

（115）

Sidewalk

At roundabouts, vehiclesmust use indicatedroutes, when turning leftor right, going straight on,or making a U-turn.

22. Left Turn at Roundabout

（111-2）

●54

＊1

Immediately to theright…The phrase “adjacent tothe right” is also some-times used.Refer to page 115 forinformation on how toovertake other vehicles.

●

Here two-wheelers and light vehiclesmust use a separate lane from othervehicles.

Here large-size trucks, specified mediumtrucks and special heavy equipmentmust use the designated lane.

If signs or pavement markings designate the lanes to be used by specifictypes of vehicles, drivers must proceed in accordance with those designations.

Lane Designations Using Signs or Pavement Markings3

When overtaking other vehicles ona road with vehicular lanes, vehiclesmust use the lane immediately to theright1 of the vehicle being overtaken.

In addition, Even after using right-most vehicular lane, to safely over-take another vehicle, immediatelyreturn to another vehicular lane.

Overtake using the lane immediately to theright of the vehicle being overtaken.

Overtaking Other Vehicles4

＊2

Unnecessarily…As used here, “unneces-sarily” means “withouta legitimate reason.”Changing lanes for anyof the purposes listedbelow does not consti-tute changing lanesunnecessarily.1 To change the lane in

which one is proceed-ing in order to over-take another vehicleor execute a left orright turn, in accor-dance with the rele-vant ordinances.

2 To change the lane inwhich one is proceed-ing in order to avoiddanger.

3 To change the lane inwhich one is proceed-ing in order to obey anorder issued by apolice officer.

Prohibition on Changing LanesUnnecessarily5

1 On roads with vehicular lanes, vehicles must refrain from moving outside ofthe lane in which they are traveling or straddling two lanes, except in caseswhere this is unavoidable, such as when overtaking another vehicle.

2 Changing lanes unnecessarily2 creates a nuisance for drivers further behindand can lead to accidents. Therefore, vehicles must remain in the same laneas they proceed.

軽車両

二　輪

RT Law 20 II

RT Law 20 III

RT Law 26-2 I

The correct answers are listed on the last page of the book.

Review Mark each of the following statements true or false to check your comprehension of the preceding section.

1. On roads without vehicular lanes you may proceed on any part of the road to the left of thecenter of the road.

2. There are times when the center line is not located in the physical center of the road.3. On roads with two vehicular lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction, faster vehicles

use the right lane and slower vehicles use the left lane.

●60

At and near intersections, vehicles must yield the road to approaching emer-gency vehicles in the following manner.

If an Emergency Vehicle Is Approaching At or Near an Intersection1

Priority for Emergency Vehicles1

In a location other than at or near an intersection, vehicles must yield theroad to approaching emergency vehicles in the following manner.

If an Emergency Vehicle Is Approaching in a Location Other Than At or Near an Intersection2

＊1

Freeing the inter-section…As used here, thisphrase means to notenter the intersectionor, if one is already inone, to leave the inter-section.

＊2

The left (right) sideof road…Move vehicle close toleft (right) side ofvehicular lane whenapproaching a cross-walk or curb.

1 By freeing the intersection1, mov-ing to the left side of the road2,and coming to a stop.

2 On one way roads, by freeing theintersection1 and, if moving to theleft side of the road could impedethe progress of the emergencyvehicle, moving to the right sideof the road2 and coming to astop.

1 By moving to the left side of theroad2.

2 On one way roads, if moving tothe left side of the road couldimpede the progress of the emer-gency vehicle, by moving to theright side of the road2.

RT Law 40 I

RT Law 40 II

If the Method for Making a Left Turn IsSpecified

At intersections with wide streets you may see mark-ings on the roadway inside the intersection such as thoseshown on the right. If such markings are present, youmust enter the lane indicated by the arrow after complet-ing the left turn.

Point

●66

＊1

Intersections…The term “intersection”refers to the part of theroad where two or moreroads (roadways if anyof the roads have side-walks and roadways)meet, as at an X-cross-ing or a T-crossing.Refer to page 74 forroundabout.

＊2

Slowing down…The expression “slow-ing down” as used heremeans at a speed fromwhich it is possible tostop the vehicle imme-diately. Refer to page87 for details.

Proceeding Through Intersections1

In order to make a left turn, the vehicle must initially approach the intersec-tion as close to the left edge of the road as possible and proceed around thecurve of the intersection (following markings, such as arrows, indicating howto proceed) while slowing down2.

Intersections1 are the most dangerous and accident-prone parts of the roadsince they are where traffic con-verges from different directions, andthey also tend to be heavily used bypedestrians. Care must be takenwhen entering and proceedingthrough an intersection. In addition toobeying traffic rules, you must alsopay attention to factors such aswhether or not there are pedestrianscrossing the street, the directions inwhich other vehicles are proceeding,and whether or not there are cyclistsriding along the sides of the road orhidden behind oncoming traffic.

Executing Left Turns (Except Roundabout)1

If you fail to keep to the left…

You could collidewith a vehicle pass-ing on your left.

You may block vehicles behind youattempting to pro-ceed straight, orthose attempting toturn right.

RT Law 34 I

Intersections are the most accident-prone parts of the roadway.

Proceed while slowingdown around the curveof the intersection.

Approach as close tothe left edge of theroadway as possible.

If there are markings on the roadway indicating the method for making a rightturn, you must follow them when making your turn.

If the Method for Making a Right Turn Is SpecifiedPoint

67●

6(1) Executing Right Turns (Automobiles)1 In order to make a right turn, the automobile must initially approach the

intersection as close to the center of the road as possible and proceedclosely inside the center point of the intersection (following markings,such as arrows, indicating how to proceed) while slowing down.

Executing Right Turns (Except Roundabout)2

If you fail to keep near the center…

You may block vehi-cles behind youattempting to pro-ceed straight, orthose attempting toturn left.

You could collidewith a vehicle pass-ing on your right.

2 In order to make a right turn from aone-way street, the automobilemust initially approach the inter-section as close to the right edgeof the road as possible and pro-ceed inside the center point ofthe intersection (following mark-ings, such as arrows, indicatinghow to proceed) while slowingdown.

Note the differ-ence in the position-ing of your vehiclewhen making a rightturn from a one-waystreet and when mak-ing a right turn from atwo-way street.

Quick HintApproach as close to the right edge of the road as possible.

Approach as close to the right edge of the road as possible.

Proceed inside the center point of the intersection while slowing down.

Proceed inside the center point of the intersection while slowing down.

Intersections

andRailway

Crossings

RT Law 34 II, IV, V

Approach as close to the center of the road as possible.

Approach as close to the center of the road as possible.

Proceed closely inside the center point of the intersection while slowing down.

Proceed closely inside the center point of the intersection while slowing down.

Precautions When Making Right TurnsMany accidents that occur at inter-

sections involve vehicles attempting toturn right and oncoming two-wheeledvehicles attempting to proceed straightthrough (right-turn–straight-throughcollisions).

Particular care should be exercisedwhen turning right after having theright-of-way yielded to you by a vehicleintending to proceed straight throughthe intersection. You should alwaysassume that there may be a two-wheeledvehicle hidden behind the vehicle that is allowing you to proceed.

At the same time, if you are riding a two-wheeled vehicle you shouldbe particularly careful not to enter intersections alongside large vehicles.

Point

69●

Allow oncoming straight-through traffic andvehicles executing left turns to pass first.

Even if they entered the intersec-tion first, vehicles executing rightturns must not obstruct the progressof oncoming straight-through trafficand vehicles executing left turns(including streetcars).

Prohibition on Obstructing Oncoming Traffic (Except Roundabout)3

On roads with multiple lanes of traffic, if separate lanes for traffic proceed-ing in different directions are indicated by signs or markings at an intersection,automobiles and mopeds must proceed through the intersection in the directionindicated for their lane.

However, the above indications maybe disregarded in the following cases.1 If an emergency vehicle is ap-

proaching.2 If disregarding the indications is

unavoidable due to road con-struction, or similar.Note that light vehicles, and mope-

ds intending to make a left turn or aright turn at an intersection where thetwo-step method is stipulated, mustproceed along the left edge of theroad.

Separate Lanes for Traffic Proceeding in Different Directions4

Intersections

andRailway

Crossings

6

RT Law 37

RT Law 35 I

71●

Intersections

andRailway

Crossings

6Precautions When ProceedingThrough Intersections2

When entering and proceedingthrough an intersection, the vehiclemust employ a safe speed andmethod to every possible extent,based on conditions within the inter-section, while paying attention tovehicles turning right, pedestrians,etc. In particular, when making a rightturn, due caution should be exercisedsince oncoming two-wheeled vehi-cles attempting to proceed straightthrough the intersection may be diffi-cult to see.

Safe Speed and Turning Method (Except Roundabout)1

A wheelbase differential occurswhen a vehicle executes a right or aleft turn. Large vehicles have a corre-spondingly large wheelbase differen-tial, and there is also a blind spot(from the viewpoint of the driver) atthe left rear. It is therefore important tobe careful to avoid cutting off pedes-trians or cyclists who may be pro-ceeding on the left side of the vehicle.

In addition, two-wheeled vehiclespassing through intersections should exercise caution to avoid being cut off bylarger vehicles.

Avoiding Cutting Off Others when Executing Right or Left Turns2

So many places where accidents can occur...

Point

Wheelbase DifferentialWhen a vehicle executes a turn, the rear wheel follows a

path closer to the inside of the turning arc than the front wheel.This difference in the positions of the front and rear wheels isreferred to as the wheelbase differential. In general, the longerthe distance between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle,the greater the wheelbase differential is.Note: The figure on the right shows the paths of the front

and rear wheels when a vehicle executes a turn.

Wheel pass-ing farthest from inside of turning arc

Wheel passing closest to inside of turning arc.

Wheel passing closest to inside of turning arc.

WheelbaseDifferentialThe rear wheel followsa path closer to theinside of the turningarc than the front wheel.

Wheelbase DifferentialThe rear wheel follows a path closer to the inside of the turning arc than the front wheel.

RT Law 36 IV

●72

Proceeding Through Intersectionsthat Have No Traffic Control3

When approaching an intersectionthat has no traffic control, if the crossstreet is a road with right of way1 orif the cross street is wider, the vehi-cle must slow down and may notblock the progress of vehicles orstreetcars proceeding on the crossstreet.

If the Cross Street is a Road with Right of Way (Except Roundabout)1

Cross street is a road with right of way.

When approaching an intersectionthat has no traffic control, if the crossstreet is the same width, the vehiclemay not block the progress of vehi-cles approaching from the left onthe cross street.

If a Vehicle Is Approaching from the Left on the Cross Street (Except Roundabout)2

Cross street is the same width.

When approaching an intersectionthat has no traffic control, if the crossstreet is the same width, the vehiclemay not block the progress of street-cars traveling on the cross street,regardless of whether they areapproaching from the right or theleft.

If a Streetcar Is Approaching on the Cross Street (Except Roundabout)3

Cross street is the same width.

Cross street is wider.

If the cross street isthe same width, youmust not block theprogress of...1 vehicles approach-

ing from the left, or2 streetcars

approaching fromthe right or the left.

Quick Hint

＊1

Right of way...The term right of wayrefers to roads markedwith a right of way signand roads in which thecenter line or vehicularlanes continue throughthe intersection.

RT Law 36 II, III

RT Law 36 I (1)

RT Law 36 I (2)

●74

Driving Procedure At Roundabout

1Definition of Roundabout...The term “roundabout” refers to

an intersection like a ring, wherevehicles drive around in a clock-wise direction, following roadsigns１ etc.

2Safe Speed and Driving MethodWhen using roundabout, pay safe attention to pedestrians and other vehicles

and drive correctly at a safe speed.

3Executing Left Turn, Right Turn,Straight Ahead and U-turnMovements

To make a left turn, right turn,straight ahead or U-turn movementat a roundabout, vehicle must ini-tially approach roundabout asclose to left edge of road aspossible and proceed alonginside of roundabout at a safespeed (following markings, suchas arrows, indicating how to pro-ceed).

In addition, when entering round-about, give way to other vehiclesand streetcars already on the round-about while driving slowly.

Slow Down

Right Turn

U-Turn

Straight Ahead

Drive at a safe speed when going around roundabout

Left Turn

Supplied by Iida City

＊1

Roundabout-DriveAround in ClockwiseDirection

Advantage ofRoundabout1All vehicles to travel at

a safe speed to pre-vent fatal or otheraccidents.

2 Compared to a signalintersection, waitingtime is less.

3 Road traffic lights arenot necessary atroundabouts, so noconfusion will occurin event of a powercut, due to disastersetc.

Quick Hint

Point

For left-hand drive

101●

9

Visu

alChecksand

Usin

gSignalsand

theCar

Horn

For left-hand drive

When to Use Signal Timing of Signal (Where) How to Signal30 meters before reachingthe point (or at an intersection)where the left turn wil l bemade.

Turning left(except inside theroundabout)

About 3 seconds before in-tending to change lanes.

Moving into thelane to the leftwhile travelingstraight (changing lanes)

30 meters before reachingthe point (or at an intersection)where the right turn or U-turnwill be made.

Operate the vehicle’s right direction indicator, or signalwith the right arm from the right side of the vehicleextended straight, parallel to the ground, or signal withthe left arm from the left side of the vehicle with theelbow bent at 90° and hand pointing to the sky.

Turning right ormaking a U-turn(except inside theroundabout)

About 3 seconds before in-tending to change lanes.

Moving into thelane to the rightwhile travelingstraight (changing lanes)

When intending to reverseReversing

Note: When indicator lights are difficult to see, at sunset or other times, it is best to also use a hand signal.

When intending to slow downor stop.

Activate the brake lights, or signal with the arm extend-ed diagonally downward from vehicle.

Slowing down orstopping.

● When, Where, and How to Use Signals

Activate the reversing lights, or signal with the armextended diagonally downward from vehicle and thepalm facing back, waving backward.

Operate the vehicle’s left direction indicator, or signalwith the right arm from the right side of the vehicle withthe elbow bent at 90° and hand pointing to the sky, orsignal with the left arm from the left side of the vehicleextended straight out, parallel to the ground.

When driving around round-about, move safely into exitvehicular lane before reach-ing exit.(Signal when entering aroundabout, if you want toleave at first exit.)

When exiting aroundabout

Note: Do not signalwhen entering aroundabout.

●112

In the following types of places, changing lanes or moving alongside aautomobile or moped1 in order to overtake it is prohibited.

1 Locations where a sign prohibitsovertaking

Places Where Overtaking is Prohibited3

2 At corners

If you overtake...

3 Near the top of a hill

If you overtake...

4 Along a steep downward slope2

10Approx. 6°

100 m

10 m

If you overtake...

＊1

Light vehicles...Even in locations whereovertaking is prohibit-ed, overtaking lightvehicles such as bicy-cles is permitted.

＊2

Steep downwardslopeGenerally refers to agradient of 10% ormore (a descent of 10meters per 100 meters).

追越し禁止

No overtaking

RT Law 30

2 At corners3 Near the top of a

hill4 Along a steep

downward slopeSome locations haveregulations you mustobey, to drive at aslow speed. Refer topage 87.

Quick Hint

●116

When overtaking, the driver mustensure that there is a safe clearancebetween the vehicle and the vehicle youare overtaking.

Leave a little extra space especiallywhen overtaking a two-wheeled vehicle.

Maintaining a Safe Passing Clearance4

On roads with vehicular lanes, after using rightmost vehicular lane, to safelyovertake another vehicle, immediately return to another vehicular lane.

Use Rightmost Vehicular Lane to Overtake5

Does it Pay to Overtake?The chart below shows the results of a test in overtaking carried out by a trucking

association using regular passenger vehicle in Shizuoka prefecture. Look at howmany vehicles Car A overtook and Car B was overtaken by over a distance of about100 kilometers, and see the difference in the time it took for them to reach their des-tination.

The arrival time was only 10 minutes apart. That is not even one minute for every10 kilometers. With frequent overtaking, fatigue and the risk of accidents increase,more fuel is consumed, and there is greater wear and tear on the brakes, gears, andtires. Disadvantages like these seem to outweigh the time gain seen in these results.

When overtaking a streetcar, onemust pass on the left side.

However, if the rails1 are close to theleft side of the road, it is permissible topass on the right side.

Overtaking a Streetcar3

＊1Also “tracks”

Test car Driving style Distance Overtook Wasovertaken by Required time

Car A

Car B

60 km/h; overtake asmany cars aspossible

50 km/h or less;never overtake anycars

Route 1;from in frontof Shizuokastation to theborder ofAichiprefecture(102.6 km)

83vehicles

None 77vehicles

2 hours,19 minutes

2 hours,29 minutes

–

Safeclearance

Point

RT Law 28 III

It is very danger-ous, to continuallydrive in rightmostvehicular lane, as itmay lead to drivingat excessive speed,decreasing distancebetween vehicles.

It may inconve-nience other vehi-cles, if they want toovertake.

Quick Hint

137●

13

TheDriver’sL

icenseSystem

and

Traffic

ViolationNotificationSystemAfter completion of the disqualification period following the revocation of a

person driver’s license, if he or she wants to reobtain a license, before takingthe licensing examination a course is required for people with a revokedlicense designed to help prevent the reoccurrence of traffic accidents and traf-fic violations.

However, if a person fails the licensing examination within one year of takingthe course, the course becomes invalid.

Course System for People Whose License has been Revoked1

Those people to whom any of the following applies must take a course forpeople whose license has been revoked or they will not be allowed to take thelicensing examination, even after completion of the disqualification period.

1 A person who license has been revoked.

2 A person who has been denied a license.

3 A person who is prohibited from driving beyond six months on an interna-tional driver’s license or foreign driver’s license.

Those Required to Take a Course for People Whose License has been Revoked2

Course System for People WhoseLicense has been Revoked6

The traffic violation notification system is for relatively minor traffic violations(called “infractions”) committed by the driver of an automobile or moped andallows the payment of a specified fine1 at a post office or bank within a speci-fied period of time to avoid appearing for trial at a criminal court or family court.

This system does not apply to a high-risk person who has been caught dri-ving without a license, driving drunk, or a person who has caused a traffic acci-dent while committing a traffic violation. Such a person is required to appear fortrial at a criminal court or family court.

Infractions and Fines1

The Traffic Violation NotificationSystem7

Licensingexamination

License revoked

License deniedProhibited from

driving beyond sixmonths on aninternational

license

Disqualification period

Note: For those who have had their license revoked, on the novice-driver term system, orare affected by legal diseases (1 2 in section 2 on P.133), this course does notapply.

＊1

Fine...The amount of eachfine is set according tothe violation. Refer tothe table on page 139for details.

International dri-ver’s l icense andforeign driver’slicense...

People who have adriver’s license recog-nized under interna-tional treaty regard-ing traff ic safety(international driver’slicense) or a driver’sl icense of equalstanding (foreign dri-ver’s l icense), arepermitted to drive inJapan using thatlicense for the type ofvehicle (excludingvehicles for trans-porting passengers)permitted by thelicense for one yearfrom their entry intothe country.

Quick Hint

RT Law 96-3

RT Law 108-2 I (2)

RT Law 125

Within one yearCourse for

people whoselicense has

been revoked

Note: This specific color indicates that it is a special violation of traffic law and others are general violations of traffic law.Note: “Large” refers to large vehicles, medium vehicles and heavy special equipment. Heavy vehicles to be towed are subject to

“Parking or stopping violation (Parking or stopping in a prohibited area)”. “Motorcycle” refers to large size and regularmotorcycles. “Moped, etc.” refers to light special equipment and mopeds.

Note: When a violation is committed and alcohol is found on the driver's breath (with a breath alcohol concentration of more than0.15mg/liter and less than 0.25mg/liter), the driver will be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and penalty pointswill be assessed.

Note: The amounts on the left of the “Amount of fine” columns for “Parking and leaving a vehicle violation” and “Parking or stoppingviolation” indicate the amount of fine for such violations in special areas for senior drivers, etc. The amounts on the rightindicate the amount of fine for such violations in all other areas.

Note: Points for exceeding the load limit and driving under the influence of alcohol are indicated in the left column for large vehicles,and indicated on the right for regular vehicles.

Note: Points will be assessed for “Failure to fasten seatbelts” in rear seats only when the violation is committed on the highway.

Traffic violation

Po

ints

Point

s for

unde

r the

inf

luenc

e of a

lcoho

l

Amount of fine

Lar

ge

Reg

ular

Motor

cycle

Mope

d, etc

.

Traffic violation

Po

ints

Point

s for

unde

r the

inf

luenc

e of a

lcoho

l

Amount of fine

Lar

ge

Reg

ular

Motor

cycle

Mope

d, etc

.

139●

●Main Traffic Violations and Amounts of Fines

13

TheDriver’sL

icenseSystem

and

Traffic

ViolationNotificationSystem

299●

15

AutomobileOwnerPreparationsandtheInsuranceSystem

(1) The Duty to Have One’s Automobile InspectedEvery automobile (excluding compact cars excluded from inspection1

and light special equipment) must undergo a compulsory safety inspection(“shaken”) at fixed intervals, and must receive a motor vehicle inspectioncertificate before it can be driven.

Automobile Inspections2

＊1Compact cars ex-cluded from inspec-tion…Refers to motorcycleswith an engine dis-placement of 250 cc orless and vehicles withan engine displacementof 660 cc or less thatuse caterpillar tracks orsleds.＊2Two-wheeled vehi-cles, etc...For vehicles without acabin or front windshield,such as large-size andregular motorcycles, theemblem must be stuckonto the license plate atthe rear of the vehicle, inthe upper left corner sothat it is easily visible.

Insurance StickerCompact cars ex-

cluded from inspec-tion and mopeds arerequired to displaythe “insurance stick-er” that indicates thatthe vehicle is coveredby compulsory auto-mobile liability insur-ance.

Quick Hint

Automobiles that require inspection must have a valid motor vehicleinspection certificate and a compulsory automobile liability insurance(CALI or “jibaiseki hoken”) certificate or mutual relief system insurance(“sekinin kyosai”) certificate3.

Automobiles excluded from inspection and mopeds must not be driven without acompulsory automobile liability insurance or mutual relief system insurance certificate.

Before driving an automobile or moped, confirm that it is covered by suchinsurance and that the term of validity has not expired.

Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate and Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance Certificate3

＊3

Mutual relief system...Refers to compulsoryautomobile liability mutu-al aid, which serves thesame purpose as compul-sory automobile liabilityinsurance and is offered byorganizations such as agri-cultural associations andconsumer cooperatives.

Inspection (Shaken) Period -- Major vehicles --Automobiles to be inspected annually Automobiles to be inspected every two years

● Commercial useAutomobiles (excluding vehicles with a totaldisplacement of 660cc or less, and large-sizemotorcycles, and regular motorcycles)

● Private use1Regular trucks (excluding 660cc or less)2Passenger automobiles with a seating

capacity of 11 passenger or more● Rental cars (excluding 660cc or less)

● Private use1Passenger automobiles with a seating

capacity of 10 passengers or less2Regular trucks of 660cc or less3Large-size motorcycles4Regular motorcycles (excluding 250cc or

less)● Rental cars (660cc or less)

Note: Of the automobiles to be inspected every two years, the first required inspection is inthe third year for new motorcycles and private passenger automobiles (restricted togross weight less than 8 tons).

Point

RTV Law 58, 61,62, 66

RTV LawEnforcement

Regulations 45

RTV Law 66 IMVDI Law 8, 9-5

(2) The Inspection StickerWhen an automobile passes inspection, it is issued a vehicle inspection cer-

tificate and inspection sticker. The inspection sticker must be displayed bysticking onto the inside front windshield2 to be easily visible facing forward.

The inspection sticker indicates the next inspection month (and year).

The number above indicates the year in which the inspection certificate expires, and the

number below indicates the month.

Inspection Sticker forRegular Motor Vehicles660cc or Less

Inspection Sticker for Four-Wheeled (greater than 660cc)and Two-Wheeled Vehicles 28

Note:The color of thissticker changes fromyear to year in thefollowing order: blue,orange, purple,yellow-green, red,yellow, green.

国土交通省 000000

28軽自動車検査協会 000000

29On inspection stickersissued before the endof 2013

317●

17

Driving

onEx

pressways

(1) Regulated Speed LimitIf a maximum or minimum speed limit is indicated by signs or pavement

markings, automobiles must not exceed the maximum speed limit nor driveslower than the minimum speed limit.

(2) Designated Maximum SpeedIn the main through lanes1 of national expressways with no maximum or

minimum speed limit indicated by signs or pavement markings, automo-biles must not exceed the maximum speed limits nor drive slower than theminimum speed limits listed in the table below.

Note: It is not necessary to observe the minimum speed limit if it is necessary to driveslower in order to obey laws or ordinances or to avoid danger.

Obeying Maximum and Minimum Speed Limits1

Speed and Distance BetweenVehicles2

＊1

Main through lanes…This expression refersto the lanes in whichhigh-speed traffic nor-mally flows on nationalexpressways and to thecorresponding parts ofmotorways. Acceler-ating and deceleratingand slower traffic lanes,side strips, shouldersare not through lanes.

● Maximum and Minimum Speed Limits in Main Through Lanes of National Expressways

Maximum SpeedLimit, etc., on Motor-ways

On motorways themaximum and mini-mum speed limits list-ed in the table on theleft do not apply. In-stead, the speed limitis the same as on gen-eral roads.

Quick Hint

MaximumSpeed Limit

MinimumSpeed LimitAutomobiles Type

● Large passenger vehicles● Medium passenger

vehicles● Medium trucks with a

gross weight below 8tons, maximum payloadbelow 5 tons, and seatingcapacity of 10 passengersor less

● Regular motor vehicles2(Excluding three-wheeland towing vehicles)

● Large-size motorcycles● Regular motorcycles3

● Large-size trucks● Medium trucks with a gross

weight of 8 tons or more,maximum payload of 5 tons ormore, and seating capacity of11 passengers or more

● Three-wheeledregular motorvehicles

● Special heavyequipment

● Towing vehicles(trailer)Au

tom

obile

type

s no

t lis

ted

abov

e

Situations Where the Maximum and Minimum Speed Limits Listed in the Table Do Not Apply● On parts of national expressways where main through lanes traveling in opposite

directions are not separated by a physical divider, the maximum and minimum speedlimits listed in the table do not apply and the speed limit is the same as on general roads.

50km/h

100km/h

80km/h

RT Law 22 I, 23,75-4,

EnforcementOrdinance 27,

27-2, 27-3

＊3

Motorcycles with adisplacement of gre-ater than 125 cc

＊2

Inc ludes motorvehic les with dis-placement of lessthan 660 cc

321●

17

Driving

onEx

pressways

Drivers must not park or stop on expressways. However, this prohibitiondoes not apply in the following cases.

Prohibition on Parking and Stopping3

1 When stopping temporari ly inorder to avoid danger, etc.

2 When unavoidably forced to parkon a sufficiently wide shoulder orside strip due to a mechanicalbreakdown, or similar.

If forced unavoidably to stop on an expressway due to mechanical failure, run-ning out of gas or due to a road accident, drivers must park and stop on a suffi-ciently wide shoulder or side strip so as not to impede the progress of othervehicles.

Using the Side Strip or Shoulder1

What To Do if an Accident Occurs5

3 When parking or stopping in a park-ing area.

4 When stopping to pay tolls, etc.

Bus StopsBus stops along

expressways arefacilities that may beused only by busesserving designatedroutes.

They may not beused by regular vehi-cles to park or stop.

Quick Hint

RT Law 75-8 I

RT Law 75-8 I (2)

323●

17

Driving

onEx

pressways

If the vehicle breaks down due to mechanical failure, running out of gas ordue to road accident, driver must make an emergency call to the recovery vehi-cle and also contact the police by dialing 110, in order to have the vehiclemoved to a safe place, as soon as possible.

In addition, if possible the drivershould shift to the first or second gearand use the engine’s starting motor tomove the car to the shoulder or sidestrip. (This method does not work onautomobiles equipped with an auto-matic transmission or clutch start sys-tem.)

If cargo has fallen or become scattered and needs to be removed from theexpressway, the driver should request to have cargos removed using an emer-gency telephone while contacting the police by dialing 110, since it is very dan-gerous on the expressway.

Moving Vehicles and Using Emergency Telephones3

Remaining on the expressway isdangerous, as collisions may occurwith following vehicles, so after com-pleting necessary measures to pre-vent danger, driver (and anypassengers) should leave vehicleand move to a safe location, outsideof the safety fence.

Moving to a Safe Location5

Removal of Fallen or Scattered Cargo4

Emergency Tele-phones

Emergency tele-phones are installedat intervals of approx-imately 1 kilometeralong the side ofexpressways. Simplylift the receiver andyou will be connectedto the off ice of theroad managementcompany.

Check the follow-ing points and informthe dispatcher onceyou are connected.1 The number of the

emergency tele-phone

2 Whether a break-down or an acci-dent has occurred

3 The location wherethe vehicle isstopped (side strip,through lane, etc.)

4 Whether there areany injured per-sons present

Quick Hint

RT Law 75-11 II

The correct answers are listed on the last page of the book.

Review Mark each of the following statements true or false to check your comprehension of the preceding section.

1. The maximum speed limit for all regular automobiles is 100 kilometers per hour in thethrough lanes on national expressways.

2. In the through lanes on expressways, one should use the solid white line at the right of theroadway as a guideline and proceed slightly to the right of the center of the vehicular lane.

3. Should your vehicle become broken down on the expressway, it is best to leave your car andwait at a location off the road after completing the necessary measures.

●330

(4) Precautions On and Near Interchanges, etc.When driving near the acceler-

ation lane of an interchange, ser-vice area, or similar be sure tolook out for vehicles entering themain through lanes from theacceleration lane. If you see that avehicle is about the enter the mainthrough lanes, reduce speed andif necessary move to the passinglane in order to allow the vehicleto enter.

In addition, when incorrectly entering a main through lane, there may bevehicles or pedestrians moving towards you. Please pay attention to infor-mation on highway bulletin boards when driving.

(5) Measures to Relieve FatigueDriving on the expressway can

induce psychological fatigue, dueto the continuous tension, orcause signs of drowsiness, due tothe monotonous road environ-ment. Make regular rest stops atparking areas and service areasso that you can nap or moveabout to relieve drowsiness,fatigue, or tenseness.

Fujikawa富 士 川 1km

Service areas are locatedapproximately every 50 kilometersalong expressways.

● Service Area

Nakai中 井 1km

Parking areas are locatedapproximately every 15 kilometersalong expressways.

● Parking Area

Be careful about dri-ving after napping

Many accidentsoccur within 30 min-utes to an hour of adriver having taken anap. After napping itis a good idea tomove about or washyour face to makesure you are ful lyawake, both physi-cally and mentally,before continuingyour trip.

Quick Hint

Cars are about to enter themain through lanes from theacceleration lane. Whatshould you do?

Answers on page 351.

Practice

333●

17

Driving

onEx

pressways

(3) Driving at NightIt is difficult to judge your speed

when driving at night because yoursurroundings are dark. This makes iteasy to drive too fast without realiz-ing it. It is therefore a good idea tocheck the speedometer regularly.

In addition, special care is neededbecause obstacles become visiblelater than they would during the day-time, and vehicles stopped ahead ofyou can present the illusion of being in motion, even though they are not.

Except when passing by an oncoming vehicle, or when following othervehicles, always turn headlight high beam ON, so that a stopped vehicledue to fallen cargo or road accident, can be seen as soon as possible.

(1) Confirming Exits by Looking at Guidance SignsWhen preparing to exit the

main through lanes, it is importantto pay attention to the guidancesigns1 indicating ahead of timethe direction to the destinationand the exit number. Guidancesigns are located 2 kilometers, 1kilometer, and 500 meters aheadof each exit.

If you miss your exit, you must not attempt to turn around or back up.Instead, proceed to the next interchange.

(2) Using the Deceleration LaneAs you approach the exit, move into the vehicular

lane leading to it. If there is adeceleration lane, make use of it.Do not rely on your own ability tojudge speed to determine if youhave reduced speed enough;check the speedometer to con-firm that you are traveling at thecorrect speed.

(3) Precautions when Entering the Exit RampExit ramps can be dangerous due to tight curves and slopes. Be sure to

reduce your speed sufficiently and to proceed no faster than the regulatedspeed limit.

Precautions when Leaving the Main Through Lanes1

Leaving the Main Through Lanes10 ＊1

Sequence of Guid-ance Signs PrecedingExits1 2 km Ahead

2 1 km Ahead

3 500 m Ahead

4 At Exit

横浜 2 kmYokohama

4

Yokohama Machida

EXIT

横浜 町田

4 出 口

16

1km

Yokohama Machida

EXIT

横浜 町田

4 出 口

16

m500

Yokohama Machida

EXIT

横浜 町田

4 出 口

16

DeceleratingReducing speed

excessively while stillin the main throughlanes can inconve-nience the driversbehind you and evenlead to rear-end colli-sions.

Begin to reducespeed after you haveentered the decelera-tion lane.

Quick Hint