Driving and drivers license

Rules of conduct in Japan

Be careful! It is imperative to find out about the validity of your license in Japan and to have it translated by the Japan Automobile Federation if necessary. International permits are not issued in Japan. They must be obtained in advance.

• In Japan, driving is on the left side of the road, so overtaking is done on the left and the turn signal is located on the right side of the steering wheel.
• All passengers must be seated and buckled up when traveling.
• Children under 6 years of age must travel in a car seat that complies with the ECE R44/04 world standard.
• Road signs are ideograms and are not always translated into English. It is important to use the vehicle's GPS or a map to find your way.
• It is imperative to stop at crosswalks and level crossings.
• The pedestrian is king in Japan, it is mandatory to let them cross.
• The regulations regarding the legal alcohol level are very strict. Since 2009, the authorized limit is 0.15mg per liter of exhaled air or 0.3g of alcohol in the blood. In case of higher level, criminal proceedings can be initiated against the driver.

Speed limits in Japan

Japanese drivers are known to be slow, so it is necessary to adapt your driving pace.

• Urban area: 30 to 50km/h depending on the area
• Suburban roads: 60km/h
• Highways: 120km/h since July 2020 (before this law the highway was limited to 100km/h)

Speed is monitored in Japan, many fixed and mobile speed cameras are present. There are also controls.

In case of an accident, call 119 as a priority.

Be aware that traffic signals differ from vertical to horizontal from one country to another. Pay attention and adjust your driving ! 

This information is subject to change frome time to time. Be sure double check before your trip.