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Driving in El Salvador vs. Japan: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the roads of El Salvador and Japan, travelers must navigate distinct regulations and practices that impact their journey. Key disparities arise in lane usage, speed limits, and traffic signals, shaping the driving landscape in each nation. Understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience behind the wheel abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
el salvador:
Right
japan:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
el salvador:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
japan:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Left
el salvador:
Yes
japan:
No
Overtaking: On Right
el salvador:
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
el salvador:
Use rightmost lane.
japan:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
el salvador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
japan:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
el salvador:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
japan:
Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
el salvador:
Exclusive for bicycles.
japan:
Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
el salvador:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
japan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
el salvador:
N/A
japan:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
el salvador:
No
japan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
el salvador:
20-40 km/h
japan:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
el salvador:
20-30 km/h
japan:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
japan:
60 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
80-90 km/h
japan:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
el salvador:
No
japan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
el salvador:
No
japan:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
el salvador:
Yes
japan:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
el salvador:
Not common in El Salvador
japan:
Not used in Japan
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
el salvador:
Signal when entering and exiting
japan:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
el salvador:
Spanish; symbols are standard
japan:
Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
el salvador:
Triangle-shaped with red border
japan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
japan:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
japan:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

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

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
el salvador:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
japan:
To warn of hazards
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
el salvador:
Frequent use in some areas to communicate
japan:
Generally used sparingly
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
el salvador:
Yield and make way
japan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
el salvador:
0.05%
japan:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
el salvador:
0.02%
japan:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
el salvador:
0.00%
japan:
Prohibited; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
el salvador:
Common
japan:
Common; checkpoints may be set up
Enforcement: Fines
el salvador:
Substantial fines and penalties
japan:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
el salvador:
911
japan:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
el salvador:
120
japan:
110
Contact: Roadside Assistance
el salvador:
121
japan:
Check with your insurance provider or JAF
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
japan:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
el salvador:
Varies; $20 to $100
japan:
Varies; substantial fines, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
el salvador:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
japan:
Severe fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
el salvador:
$20 to $50
japan:
Fines; enforceable
Common Fines: Phone Use
el salvador:
$30 to $100
japan:
Severe fines, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
el salvador:
$50 to $200
japan:
Fines, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
el salvador:
Yes, frequently enforced
japan:
Rare; fines usually paid later
Payment: Deadline
el salvador:
Typically 30 days to pay
japan:
Varies; typically within 30 days