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Driving Differences: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Japan

Discover the intriguing contrasts in road regulations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan. While Bosnia drives on the right, Japan adheres to the left. Speed limits, lane usage, and emergency protocols differ significantly, emphasizing the importance of understanding local rules for a safe journey. Prepare for a unique driving experience in these distinct cultures!

Lanes

Driving Side
bosnia and herzegovina:
Right
japan:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bosnia and herzegovina:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
japan:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Left
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yes
japan:
No
Overtaking: On Right
bosnia and herzegovina:
Allowed in one-way streets or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
japan:
Yes, overtaking is done on the right.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bosnia and herzegovina:
Use rightmost lane.
japan:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
bosnia and herzegovina:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
japan:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bosnia and herzegovina:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
japan:
Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bosnia and herzegovina:
Exclusive for bicycles.
japan:
Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bosnia and herzegovina:
Bicycle symbols, sometimes colored pavement.
japan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bosnia and herzegovina:
N/A
japan:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bosnia and herzegovina:
No
japan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bosnia and herzegovina:
N/A
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
bosnia and herzegovina:
50 km/h
japan:
40-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bosnia and herzegovina:
80 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bosnia and herzegovina:
80 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bosnia and herzegovina:
80 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bosnia and herzegovina:
130 km/h
japan:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bosnia and herzegovina:
100 km/h
japan:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bosnia and herzegovina:
90 km/h
japan:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bosnia and herzegovina:
No
japan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bosnia and herzegovina:
N/A
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yes, frequently used
japan:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bosnia and herzegovina:
Not used
japan:
Not used in Japan
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bosnia and herzegovina:
Unreasonable use prohibited
japan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Headlight Flash: Usage
bosnia and herzegovina:
To warn other drivers of your presence
japan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Traffic Signs: Language
bosnia and herzegovina:
Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian; symbols are standard
japan:
Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bosnia and herzegovina:
Triangle-shaped with red border
japan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
bosnia and herzegovina:
Usually not allowed unless indicated by a sign
japan:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
bosnia and herzegovina:
Allowed when not prohibited by a sign
japan:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bosnia and herzegovina:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit may be required
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bosnia and herzegovina:
International Driving Permit recommended
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory annual inspection
japan:
Mandatory; proof required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bosnia and herzegovina:
Displayed on windshield
japan:
Displayed on license plate
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory
japan:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory
japan:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: Underage Drivers
bosnia and herzegovina:
0.00%; zero tolerance
japan:
Prohibited; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
bosnia and herzegovina:
Common
japan:
Common; checkpoints may be set up
Enforcement: Fines
bosnia and herzegovina:
Substantial fines possible
japan:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension
Test Refusal
bosnia and herzegovina:
Can result in license suspension and fines
japan:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bosnia and herzegovina:
112
japan:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
bosnia and herzegovina:
122
japan:
110
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bosnia and herzegovina:
Usually provided by insurance
japan:
Check with your insurance provider or JAF
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory
japan:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory
japan:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bosnia and herzegovina:
Varies; fines can be significant
japan:
Varies; substantial fines, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
bosnia and herzegovina:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
japan:
Severe fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bosnia and herzegovina:
Fines apply
japan:
Fines; enforceable
Common Fines: Phone Use
bosnia and herzegovina:
Fines apply, usage prohibited unless hands-free
japan:
Severe fines, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bosnia and herzegovina:
Fines applicable
japan:
Fines, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yes, often required
japan:
Rare; fines usually paid later
Payment: Deadline
bosnia and herzegovina:
Varies; typically within a few weeks
japan:
Varies; typically within 30 days