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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Japan: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the roads of Afghanistan and Japan, drivers encounter striking contrasts in regulations and practices. While Afghanistan follows a right-hand driving system with less structured lane markings, Japan adheres to left-side navigation with clearly defined bus and cycle lanes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring safe and confident travels in both nations.

Lanes

Driving Side
afghanistan:
Right
japan:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
japan:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
japan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
afghanistan:
Yes
japan:
No
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
japan:
Yes, overtaking is done on the right.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
japan:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
japan:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
japan:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
japan:
Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
japan:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
japan:
Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
japan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
japan:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
japan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
japan:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
japan:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
japan:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
japan:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
japan:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
japan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
japan:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
japan:
Not used in Japan
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
japan:
Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
japan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
japan:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
japan:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
japan:
Mandatory; proof required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
japan:
Displayed on license plate
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
japan:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
afghanistan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
japan:
To warn of hazards
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
japan:
Generally used sparingly
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
afghanistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
japan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
japan:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
japan:
Prohibited; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
japan:
Common; checkpoints may be set up
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
japan:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
japan:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
japan:
110
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
japan:
Check with your insurance provider or JAF
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
japan:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
japan:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
japan:
Varies; substantial fines, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
japan:
Severe fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
japan:
Fines; enforceable
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
japan:
Severe fines, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
japan:
Fines, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
japan:
Rare; fines usually paid later
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
japan:
Varies; typically within 30 days