Car Position Guide!
"Cars drive on the road" - Is it that simple?
Road lines have deep meanings.
We thoroughly explain "Side Strips" and road position rules that often appear in written exams.
Where is the "Roadway"? (Sidewalks)
Cars must drive on the "Roadway (Shado)", but the range changes depending on the road type.
The white line on the edge is a "Side Strip" (Rosokutai).
The roadway is "between the side strips".
*Cars must not enter the side strip!
The white line on the edge is a "Road Edge Line" (Shado-Gaisokusen).
The roadway is "between the sidewalks".
*The edge line is just a guide, so you can cross it to drive.
[Road Training Tip]
When pulling over to the left to park: On a road with a Side Strip (no sidewalk), do not enter the strip. On a road with an Edge Line (with sidewalk), you can cross the line and pull close to the curb.
Absolute Rule for Crossing Sidewalks
You can cross a sidewalk or side strip to enter a shop or gas station. But there is an absolute rule.
Even if there are no pedestrians, you MUST stop momentarily just before entering. "Slow down" is a fail in both exam and practice.
3 Types of "Side Strips"
What can pass depends on the line style. Common exam question!
| Line Type | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Side Strip (Solid White Line) |
Pedestrians, Bicycles (Light Vehicles) |
| No Stopping Side Strip (Solid + Dashed) |
Pedestrians, Bicycles *No Stopping/Parking |
| Pedestrian Side Strip (Two Solid Lines) |
Pedestrians ONLY! No Bicycles. |
Lanes & Driving Position
Rules differ depending on whether there are "Traffic Lanes".
Drive "Keep Left" to avoid oncoming traffic.
Basically drive in the "Left Lane".
The right lane is for "Overtaking" or "Turning Right". Staying in the right lane is a violation.
Leave the rightmost lane open for overtaking/turning.
Drive in other lanes, with slower vehicles in the leftmost lane.
Other Prohibited Areas
-
🚸 Pedestrian Roads (Shopping Streets, etc.)
Generally prohibited. Only permitted vehicles (delivery, etc.) or residents with a garage can pass.
*Must drive at "Slow Speed" even if no pedestrians! -
🛤️ Road Shoulder (Edge of country roads)
The edge of a road without white lines (approx. 0.5m) is the "Shoulder". Four-wheeled vehicles must not drive there to prevent crumbling. Two-wheelers are OK but safer to avoid.
Read the road lines correctly
for smooth driving!
Training for Success!