Driving in Hong Kong vs. Japan: Key Differences Explained
When navigating the roads of Hong Kong and Japan, understanding their distinct regulations and practices is crucial for a secure journey. While both locales share similarities, key disparities emerge, such as speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol tolerance. Familiarizing yourself with these variations ensures safe travels and enhances your driving experience abroad.
Driving Side
The driving side in hong-kong is the Left Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in hong-kong is 100
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for hong-kong is 3.408 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Marks the right edge on divided roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Prohibited; left is the normal driving lane | No | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, overtaking should be done on the right. | Yes, overtaking is done on the right. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs. | Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles. | Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Speeds Limits
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-50 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70-100 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-100 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-100 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | No; fines are usually sent by mail | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation |
Signals
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Used when lights are about to turn green | Not used in Japan | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Chinese and English; symbols are standard | Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Turns
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless prohibited by sign | Varies by locality; check for signs |
Documentation
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit required along with national license | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit required along with national license | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Required annually | Mandatory; proof required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on license plate | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Generally used sparingly |
When navigating the roads of Hong Kong and Japan, understanding their distinct regulations and practices is crucial for a secure journey. While both locales share similarities, key disparities emerge, such as speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol tolerance. Familiarizing yourself with these variations ensures safe travels and enhances your driving experience abroad.
Alcohol
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.05% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | Prohibited; zero tolerance | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, checkpoints used frequently | Common; checkpoints may be set up | |
| Enforcement: Fines | HK$5,000 or more for first offenses | Substantial; can lead to license suspension |
Roundabouts
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
Emergency Services
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 999 | 119 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies; usually contact through 999 | 110 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA | Check with your insurance provider or JAF | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Recommended | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Hong kong | Japan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license | Varies; substantial fines, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Severe fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | HK$5,000, potential imprisonment | Fines; enforceable | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | HK$2,000, points on license | Severe fines, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | HK$900, points on license | Fines, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail | Rare; fines usually paid later | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 30 days to pay | Varies; typically within 30 days |