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Expressways

The check asks about speed limits, merging, and what to do if you break down on an expressway. Expressway rules are strict because speeds are high.

Key rules

• "Expressway" means a national expressway or a motor-vehicle-only road.
• Minicars, small motorcycles and mopeds may not use expressways.
• If no sign sets a speed on a national expressway, an ordinary car must drive between 50 km/h and 100 km/h.
• Use the acceleration lane to build speed, and do not obstruct cars already on the main carriageway.
• Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the median. Do not drive on the shoulder or roadside strip.
• Do not stop or park, except to avoid danger, for a breakdown on a wide shoulder, or at a parking area.
• If you cannot drive, place a stop sign device behind the car and show it to following drivers.
• Hazard lights are required at night, and in the day when visibility is 200 m or less.
• After taking safety steps, leave the car and wait in a safe place such as outside the guardrail. Call 110 or use an emergency phone.

Numbers to remember

Common traps

• A sign limit overrides the default 100 and 50 km/h.
• "Stay in the car" after a breakdown is wrong; move to a safe place.
• "You may use the shoulder to pass or rest anywhere" is wrong.
• In rain or fog you must slow down; the following distance can need to be about twice as long.
• The 100 km/h default does not apply on sections where the carriageways are not separated by direction.

Japan drives on the left: you join from the left and the passing lane is on the right. Drive slightly to the left in your lane. The default maximum for ordinary cars is 100 km/h.

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