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Driving Differences: Japan vs. Thailand Explained

When exploring the roads of Japan and Thailand, understanding their unique traffic regulations and norms is crucial for a safe journey. While Japan emphasizes strict lane usage and lower speed limits, Thailand offers more lenient overtaking rules and higher permissible speeds. This comparison will illuminate these essential distinctions for drivers venturing abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
japan:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
thailand:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Left
japan:
No
thailand:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
japan:
Yes, overtaking is done on the right.
thailand:
Prohibited
Bus Lanes: Usage
japan:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis during specific hours.
thailand:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
japan:
Labeled with bus symbols; specific times indicated with road signs.
thailand:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
japan:
Shared with lanes or exclusive for bicycles.
thailand:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
japan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
thailand:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
japan:
Yes
thailand:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits.
thailand:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
japan:
40-50 km/h
thailand:
50-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
japan:
30 km/h
thailand:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
japan:
60 km/h
thailand:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
japan:
60 km/h
thailand:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
japan:
60 km/h
thailand:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
japan:
80-100 km/h
thailand:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
japan:
80-100 km/h
thailand:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
japan:
80 km/h
thailand:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
japan:
Yes
thailand:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
japan:
Electronic signs display current limits
thailand:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
japan:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
thailand:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
japan:
Not used in Japan
thailand:
Not used in Thailand
Traffic Signs: Language
japan:
Japanese with some bilingual signs; symbols are standard
thailand:
Thai; some signs include English
Traffic Signs: Warning
japan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
thailand:
Warning signs are triangular

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
japan:
Varies by locality; check for signs
thailand:
Allowed at intersections unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
thailand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
japan:
International Driving Permit required along with national license
thailand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
japan:
Mandatory; proof required
thailand:
Mandatory for registration renewal
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
japan:
Displayed on license plate
thailand:
Displayed on windshield after passing inspection
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
japan:
Recommended
thailand:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
japan:
To warn of hazards
thailand:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
japan:
Generally used sparingly
thailand:
Frequent use to alert other drivers
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
japan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
thailand:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
japan:
0.03%
thailand:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
japan:
0.00%
thailand:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
japan:
Prohibited; zero tolerance
thailand:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
japan:
Common; checkpoints may be set up
thailand:
Common, especially during holidays
Enforcement: Fines
japan:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension
thailand:
Substantial fines and possible imprisonment
Test Refusal
japan:
Can result in license suspension
thailand:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
japan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
thailand:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
japan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
thailand:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
japan:
119
thailand:
191
Contact: Traffic Police
japan:
110
thailand:
1193
Contact: Roadside Assistance
japan:
Check with your insurance provider or JAF
thailand:
Check with your insurance provider or local authorities
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
japan:
Recommended
thailand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
japan:
Recommended
thailand:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
japan:
Varies; substantial fines, points on license
thailand:
Varies; fines start from ฿500
Common Fines: Alcohol
japan:
Severe fines, possible jail time
thailand:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
japan:
Fines; enforceable
thailand:
Fines up to ฿500
Common Fines: Phone Use
japan:
Severe fines, points on license
thailand:
Fines up to ฿500
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
japan:
Fines, points on license
thailand:
Fines start from ฿500
Payment: On The Spot
japan:
Rare; fines usually paid later
thailand:
Common; fines can be paid at the scene
Payment: Deadline
japan:
Varies; typically within 30 days
thailand:
Varies; typically within 7 days