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Driving in Japan vs. Monaco: Key Safety Differences

When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances of road regulations is crucial for safe travel. This comparison highlights notable contrasts between Japan and Monaco, from driving orientations to speed limits. While Japan drives on the left and employs variable speed limits, Monaco adheres to right-side driving with more standardized regulations. Explore the essential distinctions for a secure journey!

Lanes

Driving Side
japan:
Left
monaco:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
japan:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
monaco:
Not commonly used in Monaco.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
japan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
monaco:
Not commonly used in Monaco.
Overtaking: On Left
japan:
No
monaco:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
japan:
Yes, overtaking is done on the right.
monaco:
Allowed if traffic conditions permit.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
japan:
Use leftmost lane.
monaco:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
japan:
Yes
monaco:
Limited, mostly on main roads
Bus Lanes: Usage
japan:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours.
monaco:
Predominantly for buses.
Bus Lanes: Markings
japan:
Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs.
monaco:
Labeled ‘BUS’.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
japan:
Yes
monaco:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
japan:
Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles.
monaco:
Shared with small vehicles or buses.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
japan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
monaco:
Bicycle symbols or shared lane markings.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
japan:
Yes
monaco:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits.
monaco:
Standard speed limits apply

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
japan:
40-50 km/h
monaco:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
japan:
60 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
japan:
60 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
japan:
60 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
japan:
80-100 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Highways: Buses And Vans
japan:
80-100 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
japan:
80 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
japan:
Yes
monaco:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits
monaco:
Standard speed limits apply
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
japan:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
monaco:
Common for traffic violations

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
japan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
monaco:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
japan:
Not used in Japan
monaco:
Rare in Monaco, usually not used
Traffic Signs: Language
japan:
Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard
monaco:
French; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
japan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
monaco:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
japan:
Not allowed
monaco:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
japan:
Varies by locality; check for signs
monaco:
Permitted where indicated; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
monaco:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
monaco:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
japan:
Mandatory; proof required
monaco:
Required annually; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
japan:
Displayed on license plate
monaco:
Displayed on the vehicle windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
japan:
Not mandatory
monaco:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
japan:
0.03%
monaco:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
japan:
0.00%
monaco:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
japan:
Prohibited; zero tolerance
monaco:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
japan:
Common; checkpoints may be set up
monaco:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
japan:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension
monaco:
Can be substantial; varies by severity

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
japan:
119
monaco:
112 or 18
Contact: Traffic Police
japan:
110
monaco:
Local police also available on 911 using GSM
Contact: Roadside Assistance
japan:
Check with your insurance provider or JAF
monaco:
Available through service providers or insurance
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
japan:
Recommended
monaco:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
japan:
Varies; substantial fines, points on license
monaco:
Varies; fines are substantial
Common Fines: Alcohol
japan:
Severe fines, possible jail time
monaco:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
japan:
Fines; enforceable
monaco:
Fine applies if not used
Common Fines: Phone Use
japan:
Severe fines, points on license
monaco:
Substantial fines issued
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
japan:
Fines, points on license
monaco:
High fines, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
japan:
Rare; fines usually paid later
monaco:
Possible; varies
Payment: Deadline
japan:
Varies; typically within 30 days
monaco:
Varies; typically must be settled soon