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Driving Differences: Japan vs. Netherlands Explained

When navigating the roads of Japan and the Netherlands, drivers encounter striking contrasts that influence their travel experience. From lane usage and speed regulations to alcohol limits and emergency protocols, understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring safety. This guide highlights essential aspects that set these two countries apart, empowering travelers to drive confidently abroad.

LEFT

Driving Side

The driving side in japan is the Left Side of the road

92

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in japan is 92

1.199 $

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.

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Lanes

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Driving Side
japan:
Left
netherlands:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
japan:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
netherlands:
Not commonly used in the Netherlands, replaced by solid white lines on the road edges.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
japan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
netherlands:
Not typically used; centerlines are usually white.
Overtaking: On Left
japan:
No
netherlands:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
japan:
Yes, overtaking is done on the right.
netherlands:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
japan:
Use leftmost lane.
netherlands:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
japan:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours.
netherlands:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
japan:
Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs.
netherlands:
Labeled 'BUS', 'LIJNBUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
japan:
Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles.
netherlands:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
japan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
netherlands:
Bicycle symbols and often distinct red coloring.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
japan:
N/A
netherlands:
N/A
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Speeds Limits

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Urban Areas: Standard
japan:
40-50 km/h
netherlands:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
japan:
60 km/h
netherlands:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
japan:
60 km/h
netherlands:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
japan:
60 km/h
netherlands:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
japan:
80-100 km/h
netherlands:
100-130 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
japan:
80 km/h
netherlands:
80-100 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
japan:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
netherlands:
Yes, but fines are often mailed after citation
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
japan:
Not used in Japan
netherlands:
Not used in Netherlands
Traffic Signs: Language
japan:
Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard
netherlands:
Dutch; symbols are standard
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
japan:
Not allowed
netherlands:
Not allowed unless a green arrow is present
U- Turns Allowed
japan:
Varies by locality; check for signs
netherlands:
Usually prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs
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Documentation

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Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
netherlands:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not necessary
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
netherlands:
Accepted for up to 185 days if accompanied by an International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
japan:
Mandatory; proof required
netherlands:
Periodic technical inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
japan:
Displayed on license plate
netherlands:
No sticker used; information in vehicle registration
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
japan:
Recommended
netherlands:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
japan:
Not mandatory
netherlands:
Recommended
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Road Etiquette

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

When navigating the roads of Japan and the Netherlands, drivers encounter striking contrasts that influence their travel experience. From lane usage and speed regulations to alcohol limits and emergency protocols, understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring safety. This guide highlights essential aspects that set these two countries apart, empowering travelers to drive confidently abroad.

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Alcohol

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Limits: General Drivers
japan:
0.03%
netherlands:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
japan:
0.00%
netherlands:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
japan:
Prohibited; zero tolerance
netherlands:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
japan:
Common; checkpoints may be set up
netherlands:
Common; checkpoints used
Enforcement: Fines
japan:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension
netherlands:
Can be substantial, and may lead to license suspension
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Roundabouts

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Signaling: Entering
japan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
netherlands:
No signal required unless exiting immediately
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Emergency Services

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Contact: General Emergency
japan:
119
netherlands:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
japan:
110
netherlands:
Call 112 for police assistance
Contact: Roadside Assistance
japan:
Check with your insurance provider or JAF
netherlands:
Check with your insurance provider or ANWB
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
japan:
Recommended
netherlands:
Mandatory
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
japan:
Varies; substantial fines, points on license
netherlands:
Varies; can be significant, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
japan:
Severe fines, possible jail time
netherlands:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
japan:
Fines; enforceable
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
Common Fines: Phone Use
japan:
Severe fines, points on license
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
japan:
Fines, points on license
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
japan:
Rare; fines usually paid later
netherlands:
Possible; fines also typically paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
japan:
Varies; typically within 30 days
netherlands:
Varies; payment within specified period required