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Traffic Safety
Traffic Laws
In Japan, motor vehicles run on the left side of the road and passengers walk on the right side. There are many traffic laws and regulations. Please pay extra attention to the following.
Driving Motor Vehicles
Driving without a driver’s license
Please read the “Driving Motor Vehicles” section regarding driver’s licenses.
Drunk driving
Regulations against drunk driving have become very strict in recent years as there is a growing number of fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers. Do not drive after drinking.
Speeding
Pay attention to speed limits and do not violate them.
Wear a helmet when riding a motorbike
It is mandatory in Japan to wear a helmet when you ride a motorbike.
Driving in the snow
Use snow tires in the snow, and drive slowly and carefully.
Bicycles
Riding with umbrella, riding in the snow, riding with another person on your bicycle
These actions are dangerous and therefore prohibited.
Riding without a light at night
Riding without a light at night is dangerous as drivers and other pedestrians cannot see you. You should not only have a light, but also wear reflective clothing.
There are many other traffic laws and regulations. Please study Japanese traffic laws, especially if you drive a motor vehicle.
Traffic Accidents
When you are involved in a traffic accident, please follow these instructions.
- Dial 110 for the police
- If there are any injured persons, please also call 119 for an ambulance
- Write down the license plate numbers, names, addresses, and birthdays of all other parties involved.
- Write a note or draw a picture of the scene, and take pictures if possible.
- See a doctor even if you think you are not injured. Remember to tell the doctor that you had an accident.
- Contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible.
- Please notify the International Affairs Division of your accident.
The Fukui Prefectural Government provides life information for foreign residents in Fukui in 4 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Portuguese) on its website. Please check the website for more information on topics such as the medical service system in Japan and hospitals where you can speak with doctors in English.