Driving Guide for Japan and Okinawa

Driving in Japan/Okinawa


Appendixes “A” Sample Penalty provisions of Japanese Road Law “B” Traffic Signs

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Important Disclosure: The purpose of this guide is to aide the reader in understanding the rules and regulations for driving in Japan/Okinawa. If you are required to take a written test in order to obtain a drivers license in Japan/Okinawa, this guide will provide helpful information in preparing for the test. If you are not required to take a written test, the information should prove to be valuable in safely driving in Japan/Okinawa and provide an understanding of the laws, regulations and road signs. However, no guarantee is implied. The author provides no guarantee or implied promises regarding accuracy of information or any individual’s ability to pass a written test or drive safely as that is ultimately up to the driver. The author assumes no liability of any means. The information presented in this guide was obtained from various driver guides, and US Forces Japan regulations. No responsibility is assumed for accuracy although we have taken all reasonable steps to insure accurate information has been presented. Readers are encouraged to obtain up to date information from local authorities or base licensing offices prior to driving in Japan/Okinawa or prior to taking the written driving test. This guide covers information of U.S. and Japanese traffic Laws as they apply to U.S. Armed Forces personnel and civil service personnel driving in Japan/Okinawa. It is not intended to be a complete driving manual of all traffic regulations. It is only an informal guide mainly focusing on the differences between driving in the United States and driving in Japan. Requirements for the necessity of taking a written driving test vary by branch of service and/or rank as well as status (dependents, age, civilian grade of service). Please check with your base or support unit’s licensing authority. Regardless of whether you need to take a written test, the information in this guide should prove helpful and prepare you to drive in Japan/Okinawa. Everyone who obtains a SOFA license is required to know and obey the traffic laws. Safety is most important. Take the time to read this guide cover to cover. Highlight important areas or information you may want to refer to later. If you are studying for a written test, you may want to write notes in the margin or highlight areas that are new to you.



A Few Definitions: Cycle Track: portion of vehicular roads set aside for bicycles. Safety Zone: area set aside for passengers to embark or off load from a bus or similar commercial vehicle, or a safety area for pedestrians. Vehicular Lane: the portion of the road (lane) set aside for vehicular traffic. Vehicle: means a motor vehicle, moped, light vehicle and trolley. General Information: Operating a privately owned vehicle in Japan/Okinawa is considered a privilege. This privilege may be revoked by either Traffic Court or by certain Commanding Officers. Commanding Officers may revoke this privilege without taking any administrative action. Under Japanese Law traffic accidents which result in personal injury or death may very well lead to criminal prosecution of the driver involved. Drivers who are the least bit negligent may be charged. If you are found to be intoxicated, you will be found negligent. If speeding, you are negligent. In fact, vehicle mechanical failure can be cause for negligence if it is found that normal and expected preventive maintenance may have prevented the accident. In other words it is your responsibility to be a safe and cautious driver as well as taking care of your automobile. Proper defensive driving skills are expected. Many roads are very narrow, get used to it. Traffic is very congested, prepare for it and account for it. Finding a parking place can be a challenge in populous areas. Road Signs: International road signs are used in Japan/Okinawa. Some will be discussed during the course of this guide. A picture and list of Japanese road signs can be found in Appendix “B” of this guide. Traffic Lanes: People drive on the wrong side of the road! More properly put, you always drive on the left side of the road. If you forget this you may be in trouble. You will find that virtually all Japanese vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side of the car. (Sooner rather then later, you will find that you have entered your car on the wrong side. You will then attempt to appear cool by searching for something in the glove box. This is a standard reaction. However, you won’t be fooling anyone. The people around you will know what happened and the giggling will begin.) A vehicle may cross over to the right side when:

You are on a multi-lane road or the road is one way. The width of the left half of the road is insufficient to proceed. A vehicle is unable to proceed on the left half due to road construction, road damage or other impediments. Attempting to pass another vehicle where the road width of the left half of the road is less than six meters and road conditions permit passing.

A solid or broken white line marks the center of the road.

3A yellow center line means no passing for either side.

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Traffic Lanes (continued): A yellow line on your side of the center (white) line means no passing on your side. When you must cross a sidewalk, such as turning into a driveway, come to a complete stop before crossing the sidewalk. Some roads have specific lanes for certain types of vehicles.

Bus exclusive lanes are marked and are for buses, taxis with passengers and motorcycles (don’t ask why motorcycles, I have no idea but it is the law). The only time you are allowed in this lane is just prior to having to turn in that direction. However, when moving into this lane to turn, you may not interfere with a bus or taxi coming from the rear. Some roads may mark a lane as Priority. This means buses, school buses and taxis have priority in that lane. Other vehicles are required to move out of the way if one of these vehicles approach you from the rear. You may not travel in this lane if current conditions might prevent you from moving out of the Priority lane should a designated vehicle be approaching. If a bus is signaling to leave a bus stop, you may not interfere with its movement unless doing so would cause you to rapidly change lanes or speed. In Okinawa Motorcycles are restricted to the far left lane on Highway 58 from Kadena Circle all the way to Naha Port unless you are within 30 meters of making a right turn. Helmets are required for all riders on all types of motorcycles both on and off base. Reflective vests are also required for all riders and they must be international orange, reflective, and be worn by passengers as well as the driver.

Traffic Rules on Regular Roads: If roads are marked to preclude vehicular traffic, do not enter (dah). Vehicles must come to a complete stop (no rolling stops) at stop signs, crosswalks or uncontrolled intersections where stopping is required. On roads with three or more lanes in one direction, the right most lane is for passing. No vehicle can change direction of travel (U-turn) without sufficient reason regardless if a turning lane is provided. (I have no idea what sufficient reason might be, but that’s how the law reads.) Traffic Rules on Expressways and Exclusive Roads for Motor Vehicles: When entering an expressway, you must use the speed accelerating lane if one is provided. When intending to leave the expressway, you must use the decelerating lane if one is provided. If a decelerating lane is not provided, use the lane nearest the exit. When entering an expressway, the vehicles already traveling on the expressway have the right of way; you may not interfere with them. It is considered your responsibility, before traveling on any road but in particular an expressway, to ensure that your vehicle is ready to hit the road. In other words you might receive a ticket, or be held liable in an accident, if you run out of gas, oil, water, etc, and that cargo is properly secured. If your vehicle breaks down on an expressway, you may be subject to a penalty. The fines and penalties can be extensive and could include jail time if the situation causes an accident or unsafe road hazard. Common sense goes a long way. If you do breakdown on the road you are required to clearly indicate your automobile is stopped by displaying an emergency warning device (a triangular



warning device). The exchange/base gas station sells these devises. You are also required to turn on your emergency flashers (or parking lights if you don’t have emergency flashers). Seat Belts and Child Restraints: Seat belts are required to be worn by all passengers at all times in both the front and back seat. The rules for infant/toddler carriers are the same as the states. They are required, must be approved models and properly secured in the back seat. If you need more information on this topic, please see the Base Provost Marshall (MP’s/AP’s/SP's). Speed Limits: Off base the maximum speed limit for all cars, motorcycles over 250cc, and trucks less than five tons (both three and four wheeled) is 60 kilometers unless a lower speed is posted. Off base for motor scooters, motorcycles under 251cc, and trucks over five tons, the maximum speed limit is 50 kilometers unless a lower speed is posted. Speed Limits (continued): For two-wheeled vehicles under 51cc displacement, the maximum speed is 30 kilometers unless a slower speed is posted. On expressways a minimum speed may be posted. Do not drive slower than the posted minimum speed. Speed limit signs, distances, your speedometer and odometer are reflected in kilometers instead of miles per hour. In distance, one kilometers equals approximately five-eighths (5/8) of a mile. In speed measurements, one kilometer equals approximately 0.62 miles per hour. For example the number 50 on a speed limit sign does not mean 50 miles per hour; it means 50 kilometers per hour or about 31 miles per hour. Following are a few more samples (estimates): Kilometers or miles or (Kilometers per hour) (Miles per hour)

20 12 25 16 30 19 35 22 40 25 45 28 50 31 55 34 60 37 80 50 100 62

Distance between Vehicles: Japanese law requires that you allow enough distance between you and the vehicle you are following to permit ample time to stop if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops. If changing lanes, if there is a vehicle behind you and in the lane you are moving into, you must not impede the speed or direction of that vehicle. None of this should be new as it is the same as in the states.



Passing: Passing violations cause a high percentage of accidents. Use extreme care as roads are narrow and many have sharp curves. Do not rely solely on road markings when determining whether to pass. Check the road markings and signs first, and then make sure you have a good look and plenty of distance before attempting to pass. You must pass other vehicles on the right. Passing on the left is only authorized if the car in front of you is stopped in preparation for a right turn. Do not pass if the vehicle in front of you is attempting, or indicate it is attempting to pass the vehicle they are following. No dual passing. Do not pass if the vehicle ahead is proceeding in parallel at the same or similar speed of another vehicle. Do not pass within 30 meters (100 feet) of intersections or crosswalks. Passing (continued): Do not pass on turns or curves. Do not pass near the top of upgrades or steep downgrades. Do not pass inside tunnels or near railroad crossings. Do not pass in marked no passing zones. Drivers will not cut into lanes of traffic that are proceeding slowly or stopped. In other words, be polite and wait your turn. To be completely technical, under Japanese law, passing is defined as going around another vehicle in front of you on a two-way street. Overtaking refers to one vehicle going past another on a one-way or multilane road. This is distinguished in case you see one or the other term on a written test. Other then this exception, passing rules are similar to the states. Parking and Stopping: No parking zones have a purpose. No parking zones are strictly enforced. If you park in one you are likely to be towed and ticketed. You’ll pay for towing, an hourly storage fee, a fine, and loose points on base. Pay attention and follow the rules. If parking is allowed do not park within five meters of an intersection or corner road. Do not park within ten meters of a safety zone. Do not park within ten meters of a railroad crossing or the sign indicating a railroad crossing. Do not park within ten meters of a bus stop or the sign indicating a bus stop. Do not park near or at the top of an upgrade or steep grade. Do not park within five meters of a pedestrian crosswalk. Do not park near a no parking or no stopping sign. When parking at a metered site you must activate the meter.



Other Prohibited Parking: Besides the above parking rules, parking at any of the places listed below is also a violation of Japanese law without written permission of the Chief of Police.

Within three meters of any vehicle entrance or exit-way adjoining a road where a facility is established or space is allocated outside the road for taking on or discharging passengers, loading or unloading cargo, parking storage area or repair area. Within five meters of a fire station, fire hydrant, or from a water reservoir used for firefighting purposes; or within five meters of the entrance/exit of their adjoining road. Within one meter of a fire alarm. Within five meters from either end or side of a construction project on a road under construction.

No vehicle will be parked in any place where there is less than 3.5 meters of space remaining on the road on the right side of the vehicle. However, this does not apply when a driver remains in the vehicle or if the vehicle is loading or unloading cargo. All roadways on US Forces installations are designated as fire lanes and parking on them is prohibited. Also, parking on grassed areas is prohibited. Passage of Vehicles at Intersections: Right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection:

Any vehicle on a priority road has the right-of-way. Any vehicle traveling on a wider road has the right-of-way. The vehicle approaching an intersection on the left has the right-of-way over the vehicle on the right. Any roadway with a center line or vehicle traffic lanes through the intersection is the priority road and has the right-of-way.

Any vehicle entering or traveling in the intersection is required to pay attention to other vehicles in the intersection as well as pedestrians crossing the road in or close to the intersection. Additionally, all vehicles must travel at a safe rate of speed and in the safest possible manner while in or near the intersection and in accordance with current conditions. Vehicles must not enter an intersection, even with a green light, if it will become possible that you may have to stop your vehicle in the intersection. This rule also applies to crosswalks and railroad crossings. A left turn on a red light after a complete stop is AGAINST JAPANESE TRAFFIC LAWS, except when permitted by a traffic control device such as a green signal area or white sign with a blue arrow. How to Stop: No vehicle operator may make an abrupt stop or apply their brakes suddenly except when it is unavoidable to avert danger. When a vehicle is stopped to take on or discharge passengers or cargo, it must be stopped as close as possible to the left edge of the roadway and in such a manner as to not impede other traffic. On a one-way street if so designated, a vehicle may stop as noted above, along the right edge of the roadway.



How to Park: Assuming parking is permitted, you must park your vehicle on the left side of the roadway in such a manner as to not to impede regular traffic. If the sidewalk and road are not separate, you must park your vehicle on the left edge of the road, 0.5 meters from the edge of the road. Pay attention to allowed parking times. Parking may only be allowed during certain times of the day or there may be a time limit (for example two hour parking). Japanese meter maids do exist. Even if parking in an authorized area, a police office may order you to move the vehicle or park in a different manner. Be courteous and follow the request. If a police office needs to have your vehicle moved and you are not near your vehicle, he may tow it up to 50 meters away. If moving it 50 meters will not correct the situation, the Chief of Police may take possession of the vehicle and move it or store it appropriately. Signals: Use them! You are required by law to turn signals, brake lights, etc. (It is also required in the US but most people think it doesn’t apply to them). If for some reason you signals are not working, you are required to use hand signals. (Get you signals fixed immediately as you are asking for a ticket). You are required to begin signaling at least 30 meters before the intended action and must continue the signal until the action is complete. Improper signaling is punishable under Japanese law. You are also required to turn off the signaling once the action is completed. Do not sound your horn unless it is required by law or when it is essential in order to avert danger. Rules of the Road: You are required to take all necessary precautions to prevent anything from falling off your vehicle. This includes items you may be hauling, rusted bumpers, or trash. Do not throw anything out the window! It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that when you or a passenger opens their door along a roadway, they do not interfere with traffic or cause a hazard. It is the operator’s responsibility to take all necessary actions to ensure that the vehicle is not stolen or used without written permission. Remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors after parking. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Shape: Under Japanese Road Laws, police have the right to avert traffic danger by pulling a vehicle off to the side of the road when it is not mechanically fit to be on the road. The office may then give the driver an itemized list of what needs to be done to make the vehicle safe and road worthy. The office has the option to affix a sticker to the front of the vehicle denoting the vehicle is in need of maintenance. It is unlawful to remove, destroy or alter the sticker. The sticker may only be removed after all discrepancies have been repaired and the administrative agency exercising authority over the vehicle maintenance authorizes its removal, or the Chief of Police at the nearest Police Station authorizes its removal. If you own a vehicle, Japanese law requires you to present your vehicle to a qualified mechanic and the military police for a safety inspection as follows: Vehicles under Ten (10) years old must be inspected every two (2) years. Vehicles over ten (10) years old must be inspected every year. If your vehicle fails inspection, you will not be provided a safety inspection decal. Any vehicle which does not pass the safety inspection, or has an expired safety decal, may not be operated on or off base. Besides the above Japanese



Keep Your Vehicle in Good Shape (Cont’d): inspection, most military facilities also have an annual safety inspection. For this you are also provided a sticker which may or may not also serve as your vehicle decal for entry onto a military facility. As a side note, the base service stations are set up to handle these inspections and repairs for you. Drop you car off in the morning and they will inspect it and perform all necessary maintenance, get it inspected, and attach the sticker(s). The annual inspection is usually accomplished in one day; the Japanese inspection can be done in one day but often takes several days. There are authorized repair facilities off base, or, if so inclined, you can try to do the repairs yourself and take you car to the inspection office(s). However this is time consuming and may prove challenging. The Japanese inspection is the tough one, besides the basic tune-up and oil/filer change; lights, brakes, tire tread depth, transmission, radiator, hoses, steering, glass, etc, are all inspected and repaired/replaced as needed. The goods news is that after the inspection, you should have a nice-running safe car. The bad news is that it can get expensive. PS – an important factor when purchasing a vehicle is to check the Japanese inspection due date! Always Carry Proper Driving Forms: The only driver’s license valid for use in Japan/Okinawa by US Forces personnel while operating a privately owned vehicle is the USFJ Form 4 (Operator’s Permit for Civilian Vehicles). To receive the USFJ 4, you must have a valid stateside driver’s license and satisfactorily completed the required examinations. You are required to have your operator’s permit on your person at all times when operating a vehicle. Do not risk driving without your permit, the consequences can be severe. You must also have a Military Registration and Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (DD Form 430). You must also have a Japanese Vehicle Inspection Card and Tax Stamp. You are required to have a Vehicle Registration Decal (the Japanese Inspection Decal will be displayed in the middle portion of the windshield behind the interior rear view mirror). If the vehicle is operated by anyone other than the owner or direct member of the owner’s family for more than 24 hours, that individual must have a Power of Attorney authorizing their use of the vehicle. Every owner of a privately owned vehicle must carry two types of insurance. Together, they provide coverage for both on and off base.

The first type, with minimum $5,000 property damage, is required by US Military law. It may be purchased from either an authorized Japanese firm or a stateside company licensed to do business in Japan. Proof of this insurance is required to be carried at all times when driving on base.

The second is a 15,000,000 Yen liability policy required by Japanese law (minimum amount may vary by location/law). It must be purchased from a firm licensed in Japan. Japanese law requires vehicle owners to carry in their car at all times a form certifying that the policy has been purchased and is paid up. The form is issued by the firm selling the policy and must be registered at the base provost marshal’s (or similar) office. Another side note – The above insurance can be purchased at one office. The military facility may have such an office, or they can usually be easily found not to far from the base/station.



What to do in Case of and Accident: Accidents can happen even if you are a safe driver. It is important to know what to do if you are involved in an accident whether it is your fault or not. You are required to stop, identify yourself, and exchange personal information with others involved in the accident. You are required, unless incapacitated, to attend to the injured party pr parties to the best of your ability. If there are injuries or substantial property damage, do not leave the scene until authorized to do so by military or Japanese Police. You are required to report all accidents, regardless if they are minor, to the military police office closest to the area of the accident. Civil Law requires that a report of an accident be submitted immediately to local civil police authorities. No person may operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, physical strain, or effects of a medicine or other drug. Enough said. Watch for Pedestrians: It is a violation of law for a driver to splash mud or water on pedestrians. Slow down and consider mud guards. When you see a blind or deaf person walking with their white cane, or a child walking alone (without a guardian), you are required to stop or slow down and not interfere with their passage or walking. Japanese children are taught that raising their arm in the air means the vehicle is to stop. As a driver, be on the watch for children to raise their arm and begin walking across the road. Also be vigilant as the driver in front of you may see children raising their arm and stop unexpectedly. This is not uncommon, so be watchful. Whenever a pedestrian is using or waiting to use a marked crosswalk, you must slow or stop your vehicle so as to not interfere with them. A pedestrian in a crosswalk has the right of way. When approaching a crosswalk, you are required to be traveling slow enough to stop if a pedestrian enters the crosswalk. Pedestrians are obliged to follow the pedestrian signals at a controlled intersection. Always drive defensively. You are a guest in a foreign country, so be careful! Slow down in established and marked safety zones. Exception to Left Hand Traffic: On a road where no sidewalk is provided, pedestrians must keep to the right of the road. However if it is dangerous or unavoidable for the pedestrian, they may walk along the left side of the road. For example a pedestrian may walk on the left side of the road when: There is cliff or sharp drop on the right. The pedestrian is going to create a danger by crossing the road several times because they have multiple near-by stops on the left. A blind person has a Seeing Eye dog that was trained to keep to the left. A parked vehicle poses an obstruction on the right side.



Things to Remember: Anytime you are going somewhere where alcohol will be served, insure you assign a designated driver. Also insure that person has a valid USFJ Form 4 Drivers Permit. When driving at night or in inclement weather pay close attention to your driving. The Japanese do not use reflective material in their paint and the road markings are difficult to see and tend to disappear when wet. Don’t tail-gait! With traffic laws for pedestrians and other rules, vehicles stop more frequently then they do in the states. You may not be able to see the reason the vehicle ahead of you stops, you must be prepared to safely stop at all times. You are required to keep interior dome lights turned off while traveling. Exceptions are buses, taxis, and other vehicles otherwise permitted by law to keep interior lights turned on. When approaching a raised bus island where passengers are loading or unloading, you are required to slow to 10 kilometers per hour. If passengers are debarking or loading where there is no raised bus island, you are required to come to a stop. When you hear a siren indicating an emergency vehicle is approaching, you must pull over to the left as far as possible and come to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle passes. On a one-way street or multi-lane road it is permissible to stop on the right side so the emergency vehicle can pass on the left. There is a Japanese custom you are expected to follow should you become involved in a fatality or personal injury accident; this is the “condolence procedure”. This is the Japanese custom of making a personal visit to the injured party or family of the deceased to express sympathy. Additionally, in the case of death, you should attend the funeral after ascertaining the wishes of the deceased next of kin. Your legal assistance officer and Chaplain will assist in these matters including advisement, and possibly help, in determining the amount of condolence money. Always report these incidents immediately. Present to the family during or before the funeral, an appropriate floral tribute and/or token of money offering. Customarily, money offerings are presented to the family of the deceased at the funeral to help off-set funeral expenses. The money is always presented in a special wrapper available at Japanese stationary stores. Again, consult your base authorities. Following Japanese customs is important and your responsibility as a guest in their country. Consult with representatives of the injured/deceased party’s insurance company before making any condolence visits. Again, seek the advice and consul of base legal assistance office. The observance of these courtesies does not constitute an acceptance by you, or assumes you are responsible for the accident. It is only an expression of sympathy, and in fact, may be of importance if legal action is taken against you. The Traffic Point System: The Traffic Point System is a method where base authorities can evaluate the driving habits and performance of military and civilian personnel, including dependents. The system assesses specific points against the driving record of anyone who has been judged guilty of violating any traffic laws on or off base. The Provost Marshal (or similar) will advise military commanders of point assessments made against any members of their command including civilian personnel. When this occurs, you can expect to be spoken to regarding the matter and driving safely. You may be advised that your driving privilege is in jeopardy. Once the point count reaches twelve (12), your driving privilege will be revoked by the base traffic court and commanders will be so notified. Assessed Points remain in effect for 24 months. Once your license is revoked, if you are caught driving, the action will be converted to a permanent revocation.



Traffic Fine Procedures: The Japanese Traffic Fine System is a procedure under which a person who commits certain traffic offenses is exempt from criminal prosecution by paying a fine fixed by law or ordinance at a Japanese Post Office or banking facility. If you violate a traffic law, you will be given a violation ticket to include the sum of the traffic fine, by a police official. If you have doubt about the alleged violation, you may report to a senior police official and express your opinion. If you do this, you are advised to use the utmost courtesy. (Side note, you should have some solid proof of your opinion) You must pay your fine within seven (7) days of receipt of the citation. One day will be added if the 7th day falls on a Sunday or Japanese Holiday. This system is called Provisional Payment. If you follow this procedure, you do not have to report to the Police Station. In some instances you may be required to report to a senior police official at the police station designated on the ticket/report. You must report within ten (10) days if a specific date is not listed on the ticket/report. If you fail to pay your traffic fine, you may be prosecuted under Japanese regular criminal proceedings in Japanese Court. Fines: Sample Fines can be found in Appendix A. Serious Violations: Driving Under the Influence is a serious violation of law. Do not do it!

The maximum term of imprisonment at forced labor for driving under the influence is two (2) years.

Any person who operated any type of vehicle while under the influence of alcohol at the level (amount) determined by Japanese Cabinet Law shall be punished. For example, 0.5 mg of alcohol per milliliter of blood is considered under the influence.

You shall not serve intoxicating liquor to any person who may be driving a vehicle. You can be charged the same as the intoxicated driver.

If your driver’s permit is revoked, the Japanese may postpone re-issuing for up to three (3) years. A supervisor who allows and intoxicated person to operate a vehicle, or allows a person without a license to operate a vehicle, may be charged in the same manner is the person operating that vehicle. Traffic Warden: In each perfectural police station there are appointed traffic wardens who guard the pedestrians, control parking and stopping, and carry out other traffic police duties with non-compulsory means. A traffic warden is given the power to direct traffic by hand signals and other means, to direct passage of pedestrians, to deal with illegal parking, and to make specified notifications of infractions. School Busses: Do not interfere with the movement of a school bus. Like the states, do not pass a stopped school bus that is loading or off loading students. If the bus is stopped and not loading or off loading, you are required to slow and ensure the safety of the children.



Other: Drive and walk safely. Be a defensive and cautious driver. Obey the traffic laws and be observant of traffic signs. For the first weeks you are driving, take your time and think before turning or entering a road-way. It takes a little time to get used to driving on the left side of the road as well as having the steering wheel on the right side of the car. For those of you who are curious, the steering wheel is on the right but the gas and brake pedals are in the same order as in the United States. By showing your respect for Japanese Traffic Laws, you will be a good ambassador to Japan. This respect adds to the harmonious relationship between the United States and Japan. It also reveals our good faith towards Japan and her people. The Japanese will appreciate your efforts. Remember, you are the guest.



Appendix “A” Sample Penalty provisions of Japanese Road Law

In this Appendix are a few examples of the Japanese Criminal Code and their penalties regarding Traffic Law. These laws are subject to change and should only be considered examples. Death or Bodily Injury through Professional Negligence: a person who fails to use such care as is required in the operation of a motor vehicle, and thereby kills or injures another person shall be imprisoned not more than five years and/or a fine of 500,000 yen. Any person who moves, damages, or tampers with a road sign thereby causing a traffic hazard shall be punished with imprisonment at forced labor for not more than five years and/or a fine of 200,000 yen. If, through gross negligence, you cause damage to property you shall be imprisoned for not more than six months or a fine of 100,000 yen. Any person who failed to take necessary measures in a traffic accident resulting in personal injury or death shall be imprisoned at forced labor not more then three years or a fine of not more than 200,000 yen. Operating a vehicle without a proper permit or altering a permit/license can get you six months of hard labor or a fine up to 100,000 yen. If you compel another person to drive who is under the influence, fatigued, or under medication, you can get six months of hard labor or a fine up to 100,000 yen. The following infractions are subject to three months of hard labor in prison or a fine up to 50,000 yen: Failure to comply with a traffic signal (i.e. running a red light, not stopping at a stop sign, etc.) Passing where passing is prohibited. Failure to stop for a pedestrian, give right of way, making a turn where a turn is not permitted. Failure to obey a police officer. Failure to slow down in safety zones or stop for a child or disabled person. Failure to drive safely!

Failure to render a report in case of an accident.




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Appendix “B” Japanese Road Signs

In Japan/Okinawa traffic control signs are quite different from those in the United States. Driving on the left side of the road and understanding the road signs are probably the biggest challenges you will face in becoming a safe driver in Japan. You are encouraged to study and remember these signs. The size of road signs will vary but the shapes and colors will remain consistent. Location of signs will also vary and may be affixed to traffic signals, telephone poles, light posts, and other structures. At times, and to draw your attention, they will be posted on special structures sometimes extending over the road. Here then are the traffic signs you need to get used to seeing and obeying:

No parking within 6 meters of the sign in

either direction

Parking limited to 60 minutes

only

Main road has right of way

(Yield)

Road closed for

large sized trucks and

special duty vehicles

Road closed for motor vehicles

except motorcycles

Motor vehicles prohibited to enter (Do Not

Enter)

Road closed for all vehicles (Do

Not Enter)

Road closed (Do Not Enter)


Road closed for motor vehicles

Road closed for bicycle

Road closed for light vehicles

except bicycles

Road closed for motorcycles &

motorbikes

Road closed for large sized passenger vehicles

Right & Left

turns only Through traffic

only Left turn only Left or through

traffic only No double riding on two wheeled motor vehicles

No parking or

stopping No passing No “U” turn No right turn Proceed on the

left

Maximum width

(2.2 meters) Height limit (3.3 meters)

Weight limit (5.5 ton)

Road closed for vehicles carrying

explosives

No parking

Motor vehicles

only Minimum speed limit (30 KPH – 19 MPH)

Maximum speed limit (50 KPH – 31 MPH)

No pedestrian crossing

Road closed for pedestrians

Stop Proceed slowly Sound Horn Left turn allowed on red light




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One way

“T” intersection Side road ahead Cross intersection Possible falling

stones Right turn

Sharp right curve Forked Road Caution side wind Winding road Right turn followed

by a left turn

Gradual right curve Under construction Traffic signal ahead School zone Railroad crossing

Other hazard Number of lanes

reduced Merging traffic Slippery Upgrade (10%)

Driving in


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Japan/Okinawa

Two way traffic Width of road

reduced Rotary ahead Bumpy road ahead Down grade

(10 %)

Double file bicycle riding

allowed

Beginning of restricted zone Exclusive road for pedestrian

Parking area or may park

In restricted zone Exclusive road for bicyclist &

pedestrian

Designated center lane

Primary road End of restricted zone (a) Exclusive road for bicyclist

Driving in Japa


19

n/Okinawa

Cross walk (a) Cross walk (b) End of restricted zone (b) Bus priority lane

Safety zone Pull over area Emergency telephone available Bus exclusive

lane

Railroad crossing

Detour Detour

Direction, lane designation




Broken yellow line on the edge of sidewalk indicates vehicles are prohibited from parking.

Solid yellow line on the edge of side walk indicates vehicles are prohibited from stopping or parking.



20

When more than two (2) lanes are provided on the left of center line, solid yellow line at the right edge of that lane means changing from lane B to lane A is prohibited. Changing from lane A to lane B is permitted.

When more than two (2) lanes are provided moving in the same direction, solid yellow line between lanes indicates lane changing is prohibited from either lane.

Solid yellow line at the left prohibits vehicles traveling on lane B from crossing over to lane A when passing other vehicles.

Solid yellow line on the center line prohibits vehicles traveling either direction from crossing over to the other lane when passing other vehicles.

Yellow marks indicate U turn is not authorized. 8 – 20 means no U turn from 0800 – 2000 hours; if no time is given, It means no U turn at any time.

Lane at the left of two solid lines is side lane for pedestrians. A broken line at the left is the left edge of road.

A solid white line and broken white line indicates side lane vehicles are prohibited from stopping or parking but light vehicles (non-motorized) may use this lane. A broken line at the left indicates left edge of road.

One solid white line indicates regular side lane. Stopping or parking of vehicles and passing of light vehicles are authorized. A broken line at the left indicates left edge of road.

Vehicles are not authorized in area marked by white.

Area marked with yellow border and gray stripes indicate that vehicles are not authorized to enter.

White solid lines indicate lane dividers.

One solid white line combined with white broken lines, also indicates lane dividers.



21

Main lane at the left of dotted white line indicates priority main lane. Traffic, which must cross this line, must yield to the traffic in the priority lane.

Area marked with diagonal with lines indicates diagonal parking of vehicles is authorized.

Area marked with right angle indicates right angle parking of vehicles is authorized.

Area marked with lines indicates parallel is authorized.

Arrows indicate direction and location of turns.

Areas indicated pedestrians crossing.

Diagonal crossing of pedestrians authorized at any time.

Travel permitted only in the directions indicated for each lane.

Diagonal crossing by pedestrians authorized during limited periods of time.



22

Area indicates pedestrian crossing. This is marked with metal and/or reflective “buttons.”

One solid horizontal white line on the road indicates stop line.

White square surrounded by Yellow Square indicates safety zone.

One solid white line at the center of road indicates centerline.

One dotted line with metal and/or reflective “buttons” at the center may indicate centerline.

One broken white line may also indicate centerline.

Double solid white lines indicate the centerline on multi-lane highway.

Two inverted white triangles in your traffic lane indicated you are approaching a priority lane and must yield to any traffic in the priority lane.

Two white diamonds in your traffic lane indicate the presence of a pedestrian crossing ahead.

Area marked with white line at the edge of streetcar tracks indicates streetcar stop.

Area indicates you are approaching safety zone or obstacles in the road and must travel as indicated by arrows.



Documents

Driving Guide for Japan and Okinawa