Driving in Japan vs. Latvia: Key Safety Differences
Explore the unique nuances of road regulations in Japan and Latvia, where driving practices diverge significantly. From differing speed limits and lane usages to contrasting rules on alcohol consumption, understanding these distinctions is vital for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Dive into our comprehensive comparison to better navigate the roads in these fascinating countries.
Driving Side
The driving side in japan is the Left Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in japan is 92
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for japan is 1.199 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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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the right edge on divided roads. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, overtaking is done on the right. | Not commonly practiced; generally only when the lane is clear. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles. | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | N/A |
Speeds Limits
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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-50 km/h | 50 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation | Common; fines are often issued immediately |
Signals
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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Japan | Not used in Latvia | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard | Latvian; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Triangle-shaped with red borders |
Turns
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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Varies by locality; check for signs | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise |
Documentation
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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit required along with national license | Accepted, no International Driving Permit required | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required along with national license | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory; proof required | Annual vehicle inspection required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Generally used sparingly | Less frequent use compared to some countries | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at zebra crossings | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
Explore the unique nuances of road regulations in Japan and Latvia, where driving practices diverge significantly. From differing speed limits and lane usages to contrasting rules on alcohol consumption, understanding these distinctions is vital for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Dive into our comprehensive comparison to better navigate the roads in these fascinating countries.
Alcohol
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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | Prohibited; zero tolerance | 0.00% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints may be set up | Common, especially on weekends | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; can lead to license suspension | Substantial, varies based on BAC | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension and fines |
Emergency Services
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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 | 112 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 110 | Varies; dial 112 for emergencies | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or JAF | Check with your insurance provider or local services | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory |
Penalties And Fines
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| Japan | Latvia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; substantial fines, points on license | Varies; €20 to €300, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines; enforceable | €20 to €40, fines vary | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Severe fines, points on license | €10 to €30, fines vary | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines, points on license | €30 to €70, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Rare; fines usually paid later | Common; fines can often be settled at the time | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within 30 days | Varies; typically within 10 to 30 days |