CarJapan

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


69. Car

A car is a motor vehicle primarily designed to transport a small number of people and their luggage on roads. Cars may be powered by petrol, diesel, electricity, hydrogen or a combination of different energy sources.

Drivers must comply with the applicable requirements concerning the driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance, technical condition, seat belts and passenger safety. Speed limits, equipment requirements, road access and other traffic rules vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Cars prohibited. (Ehime, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • Hideyuki KAMON • CC BY-SA
What is a car?

A car is a motor vehicle primarily designed to carry a relatively small number of passengers and their luggage on roads.

Is a car the same as a motor vehicle?

No. A car is a type of motor vehicle. The broader category of motor vehicles can also include motorcycles, buses, trucks, mopeds and other powered vehicles, depending on local legal definitions.

Do you need a driving licence to drive a car?

Yes. A driver must normally hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle category concerned. The licence categories and minimum ages vary between countries.

Does a car need to be registered?

Yes, normally. Cars used on public roads generally have to be registered with the competent authority and display the required registration plate or plates.

Does a car need insurance?

Most countries require at least third-party liability insurance before a car may be used on public roads. Additional insurance may be optional.

Must people in a car wear seat belts?

Where seat belts are fitted, drivers and passengers are generally required to wear them correctly. Exact requirements and exemptions vary between countries.

Do children need a special restraint in a car?

Yes, in many countries. Children below specified age, height or weight thresholds must be transported in an appropriate approved child-restraint system.

How many passengers can a car carry?

A car must not carry more people than it is designed and legally approved to transport. Passengers should use the designated seating positions and required restraint systems.

Can a car tow a trailer?

Yes, if the vehicle and licence permit it. Maximum trailer masses, combination masses and licence requirements depend on the vehicle and local regulations.

Can every car use a motorway?

Most ordinary cars can use motorways, but they must satisfy the applicable vehicle, speed and access requirements. Certain unusually slow or restricted vehicles may be prohibited.

1 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...