Lesson · For the final test (本免)
Expressways
Joining and leaving an expressway (高速道路), speed limits, lanes, following distance, and what to do if you break down.
Rules as of Oct 22, 2026
What the test asks about
- No mopeds, minicars or ≤125 cc motorcycles on expressways. (教則 第7章 前文; 注10 (告示第32号で注9から繰下げ))
- Check fuel, coolant, oil and load before the expressway. (教則 第7章 第1節 (1)(2))
- Use the acceleration lane and speed up before merging. (教則 第7章 第2節 1(1))
- Regular car, expressway default: max 100, min 50 km/h. (教則 第7章 第2節 2(3))
- Towing a trailer on an expressway: max 80 km/h. (教則 第7章 第2節 2(3))
- Dry road, new tires: about 100 m at 100 km/h. (教則 第7章 第2節 2(4))
- High speed: engine brake plus foot brake in steps. (教則 第7章 第2節 3(8))
- Night breakdown: warning device plus hazard, parking or tail lights. (教則 第7章 第2節 4(2); 第10章 第2節 3)
- After a breakdown, don't stay in the car. (教則 第7章 第2節 4(4))
- Exit: move to the exit lane early, slow in deceleration lane. (教則 第7章 第2節 5(2))
- Expressway: tire pressure slightly higher, enough tread depth. (教則 第7章 第1節 (1)カ・キ)
- Expressway breakdown: warning device behind the car, day or night. (教則 第7章 第2節 4(2); 第10章 第2節 3)
- Joining traffic gives way to cars on the main lanes. (教則 第7章 第2節 1(2))
- Large trucks on expressways: 90 km/h by default. (教則 第7章 第2節 2(3) (令和6年公安告10で改正))
- No rope towing on national expressways. (教則 第7章 前文; 第7章 第2節 2(3) 備考2)
- Wet road, worn tires: up to about twice the distance. (教則 第7章 第2節 2(4))
- Never drive on the expressway shoulder or side strip. (教則 第7章 第2節 3(2))
- Main lanes: no U-turns, reversing or crossing the median. (教則 第7章 第2節 3(4))
- Expressway shoulder stops only when unavoidable, e.g. breakdowns. (教則 第7章 第2節 4(1))
- Check the speedometer when slowing for the exit. (教則 第7章 第2節 5(2)(3))
Check yourself
10 questions from this topic, with the answer and the rule after each one.
Sources
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