For comfortable traveling
This table shows distances in kilometers between locations when traveled via major national routes. Please use it as a quick reference for long distance travels.
Driving in Hokkaido lets you enjoy the splendid natural scenery as you travel on its spacious roads. However, it may ruin the fun time if you end up in a traffic accident.
Please be careful, drive safely and enjoy the ride.
Pedestrians always have the priority on the road. Drive carefully and slow down or stop if necessary, especially when you see children, the elderly, or the disabled.
Drive on the left side of the centerline. When you cross the opposite lane for right turns, etc., slow down and beware of oncoming traffic.
Seatbelts save lives. Make sure all passengers are buckled. Children must use child car seats. These rules are stipulated by the law.
Most Japanese cars have the steering wheel on the right-hand side. On the right side of the wheel is the headlight/turn signal control lever, and on the left side are the wiper switch and the gearshift lever.
It is dangerous to talk on the phone while driving. Park at a safe spot (Using cell phone while driving is prohibited by the law) when using a cell phone.
It is extremely dangerous to change lanes abruptly. When you switch lanes, make sure to give the signal and confirm safety using rearview mirrors.
It is immensely dangerous to make abrupt turns without signals or from wrong lanes.
Do not judge by the movement of traffic; Make sure to check the light at all times.
You may go forward. Even if it's green, however, keep an eye on the movement of other cars and pedestrians.
Stop. However, if you are too close to the stop line to stop safely when the signal has turned yellow, you may keep going.
Stop.
When a red light comes with a green arrow, you may go in the direction of the arrow.
*Do not follow the yellow arrow. It is for streetcars only.
The ETC lanes only allow vehicles with the ETC card. Other vehicles must go through the tollgate for cash. The newly introduced ETC system uses wireless communication for toll collection.
Customers must pay for the fuel. Before returning the car, fill it up at a designated gas station or one near the rent-a-car company office. Use regular gasoline only. Inappropriate fuel may damage the engine. Many people make these mistakes, so be careful.
Do not panic in the case of an accident.
Move the car to a safe spot (roadside, vacant lot, etc.) and turn off the engine. To keep other cars safe, set up the warning triangle behind the car and use the warning flare.
If someone is injured in the accident, dial 119 (no area code) to call the ambulance. If you have trouble communicating in Japanese, ask passers-by for help.
Dial 110 (no area code) to call the police to explain the details of the accident and file a report. You must report an accident no matter how small it is.
You must report the accident to the rent-a-car company. You may have to pay for deductible insurance fee or Non-Operation-Charge(NOC).
Be careful enough to avoid violations and enjoy driving safely.
Serious offenses, penalties, and fines
*Drunk driving *Speeding *Illegal parking *Use of cell phone while driving
| Traffic offense | Penalty | |
|---|---|---|
| Drunk driving | Driving while heavily intoxicated | Imprisonment for up to 5 years or fine of up to 1 millionyen |
| Driving while intoxicated | Imprisonment for up to 3 years or fine of up to 500,000yen |
|
| Speeding | 30 kph or more over the limit | Imprisonment for up to 6 months or fine of up to 100,000yen |
| 25-30 kph over the limit | Fine of up to 18,000yen | |
| 20-25kph over the limit | Fine of up to 15,000yen | |
| 15-20 kph over the limit | Fine of up to 12,000yen | |
| Less than 15 kph over the limit | Fine of up to 9,000yen | |
| Illegal parking |
No parking/stopping zone | Fine of up to 18,000yen |
| No parking zone | Fine of up to 15,000yen | |
| No Use of cell phone while driving |
Use of cell phone | Fine of up to 18,000yen |
| Use of cell phone (cause danger) | Imprisonment for up to one year or fine of up to 300,000 yen |
