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Driving in Japan vs. Poland: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Japan or Poland, understanding the unique regulations and practices is vital for ensuring a safe journey. Key distinctions include Japan's left-side driving and strict lane usage, contrasted with Poland's right-side rules and varied speed limits. This in-depth comparison highlights essential driving norms to help travelers stay secure abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
japan:
Left
poland:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
japan:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
japan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
japan:
No
poland:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
japan:
Yes, overtaking is done on the right.
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
japan:
Use leftmost lane.
poland:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
japan:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours.
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
japan:
Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs.
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
japan:
Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles.
poland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
japan:
N/A
poland:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
japan:
40-50 km/h
poland:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
japan:
30 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
japan:
60 km/h
poland:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
japan:
60 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
japan:
60 km/h
poland:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
japan:
80-100 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
japan:
80-100 km/h
poland:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
japan:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
japan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
japan:
Not used in Japan
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
japan:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
japan:
Signal when exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
japan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
japan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
japan:
Fines may apply for misuse
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
japan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
japan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
japan:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
japan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
japan:
Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
japan:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
japan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
poland:
Triangular with red border.

Turns

Right Turn On Red
japan:
Not allowed
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
japan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
japan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
japan:
Varies by locality; check for signs
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
japan:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
japan:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
japan:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
japan:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
japan:
Mandatory; proof required
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
japan:
Displayed on license plate
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
japan:
Recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
japan:
Not mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
japan:
To warn of hazards
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
japan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
japan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
japan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
japan:
Only in emergency situations
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
japan:
Generally used sparingly
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
japan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
japan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
japan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
japan:
0.03%
poland:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
japan:
Prohibited; zero tolerance
poland:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
japan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
japan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
japan:
Common; checkpoints may be set up
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
japan:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
japan:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
japan:
Can result in license suspension
poland:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
japan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
japan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
japan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
japan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
japan:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
japan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
japan:
119
poland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
japan:
110
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
japan:
Check with your insurance provider or JAF
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
japan:
Recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
japan:
Recommended
poland:
Mandatory.

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
japan:
Varies; substantial fines, points on license
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
japan:
Severe fines, possible jail time
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
japan:
Fines; enforceable
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
japan:
Severe fines, points on license
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
japan:
Fines, points on license
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
japan:
Rare; fines usually paid later
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
japan:
Varies; typically within 30 days
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
japan:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
japan:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.