Japanese traffic signals and other driving fun

[Mike Oxlong]

Post it already JAFO!

Dude, aw fuk sorry, totally forgot. Here it is.

Which Way..jpg

The two one way arrows seemingly pointing against each other. This one is on the way to the gym and I see this everywhere even in front of roads not bigger than a sidewalk. When I first moved here it was a big WTF moment.

Ginowan, eh. We're practically swapping spit here, brah.

[J.A.F.O]

What gave it away? the kanji in the pic I failed to blur out? or just the fact that ginowan is just rediculous about traffic signs everything

[Mike Oxlong]

大山 is one of those ironic sort of places one doesn't soon forget.

[J.A.F.O]

I liked it better down by the convention center but traffic was getting screwy. Almost maimed a bike cop.

Next time I have a BBQ you'll have to drop by.

[matsuki]

Speaking about driving fun. What the hell is it with Japanese driving with there high beams on on suburban streets? I get blinded about once every couple of days by these hamsters. I can only figure that this must be being taught to them in driving school.

...making up for all the assholes who don't even turn on their lights?

My latest rant: those colored lines on the street...do they haz a meaning? 99 near side swipe collisions are normal on only the drive to work....the whole, "hey, someone in front of me has pulled over....time to swerve around them (into the next lane) like I have the right of way" isn't too amusing. Neither is the drift partially into my lane and stay there for awhile....always get the most confused faces when I honk at those idiots. How about two-lane right turns...yeah asshole, both of us are turning and no, this is not chicken. Last but not least....when making right turns, that cut out and lane to the right is where you should be turning from. Nearly a day doesn't go by that I have to wait for some asshat, who is trying to make a right turn from the middle lane, to get out of my way. Time to order some sort of boat-sized fog horn...

[Coligny]

Idiot who start turning left before making a right turn, because of the rear wheel path... That count only for left turn in a car.... Basically, these morons all drive medium cars like if they were 18 wheelers with an oversize trailer...

hey, someone in front of me has pulled over....time to swerve around them (into the next lane) like I have the right of way" isn't too amusing

Don't forget the 'overtaking a flock of schoolgirls on bicycles so I have the right of the way over the oncoming traffic on the right lane'. The face of these idiots when they realize I'm not slowing or moving more to the left to let them squeeze... And have to brake squeeze and pray instead.

Or the cretin that take the apex in the opposite lane when the road twist and turn...

[Wage Slave]

Women holding infants in the front seat (It's OK cuz I'm wearing a seat belt). Toddlers allowed to ride standing on the front passenger seat (It's OK cuz I have a kids on board sticker on the car. I saw one of the former and two of the latter on a 45 minute drive today. Infant/child seats seem to be just about unknown in this safety, child loving country. Why??????

[Yokohammer]

Women holding infants in the front seat (It's OK cuz I'm wearing a seat belt). Toddlers allowed to ride standing on the front passenger seat (It's OK cuz I have a kids on board sticker on the car. I saw one of the former and two of the latter on a 45 minute drive today. Infant/child seats seem to be just about unknown in this safety, child loving country. Why??????

Child seats are required by law here, up until the age of 6.

[matsuki]

Women holding infants in the front seat (It's OK cuz I'm wearing a seat belt). Toddlers allowed to ride standing on the front passenger seat (It's OK cuz I have a kids on board sticker on the car. I saw one of the former and two of the latter on a 45 minute drive today. Infant/child seats seem to be just about unknown in this safety, child loving country. Why??????

Child seats are required by law here, up until the age of 6.

Illegal...just like what Coligny, and I are mentioning...though the law doesn't seem to hinder them much. I saw a huge ass trailer truck today almost rear-end the guy in front of him....cause he was doing some shit on his keitai As if the truck drivers here could be any more dangerous...

[Coligny]

One thing I hesitated to mention because of the local (age) demographic...
Old debris in their Keijid00shas doing a steady 30 no matter the speed limit, never using turn signals and never slowing or stopping for red lights, stop signs or pedestrian crossing. I'd turn these suckers into soylient green on my spare time if I could...

[Russell]

Driver turns herself in to police for failing to stop at yellow traffic light

[First few lines of bullshit cut out]

A driver in Oita Prefecture surrendered herself to the police because she beat the yellow light at a traffic junction. It wasn’t even a red light.

Traffic regulations may differ slightly from country to country, but the general understanding that green means “go”, red means “stop”, applies more or less everywhere. In places where the yellow (or amber) light is used, it usually signifies that the traffic light will soon turn red and drivers should slow down and stop at the intersection if you think you can’t make it across in time.

Recently, a woman in her 40s to 50s approached the Oita Prefectural Police at their Chuo branch, saying, “I have regrettably violated the traffic regulations, so please issue me a ticket.” The station staff were baffled by her request since they had never met a driver who turned themselves in requesting for a traffic ticket.

After questioning her for details, it turned out that the woman had been on the road and as she was driving across a traffic intersection, she looked up at the traffic light and realized that it had just turned yellow, but she proceeded to drive straight past it. Feeling guilty for not stepping on the brakes then, she immediately turned herself in to the police thinking that she had broken the law. The staff explained that “as long as you entered the intersection while the traffic light was still green, it’s not an offense”.

The police commented that, “if only everyone could drive with such caution, there would be no accidents.”

However, some netizens had different views on the matter:

“Having a high level of awareness is great, but it would had been more dangerous if she had abruptly braked there. Don’t beautify the incident.”
“She’s too serious.”
“She’s so strict with herself, I’m more concerned if she’s psychologically sound.”

More

Stockholm syndrome?

[matsuki]

Traffic regulations may differ slightly from country to country, but the general understanding that green means “go”, red means “stop”, applies more or less everywhere.

...except in Japan

[Coligny]

When I did the driving test with police instructors, sudden braking at yellow light will get you a fail point.
In fact, any braking without checking the rearview mirror was frowned upon...(*)
Same as not proceeding with your turn if the light turn red but you are past the stop line...


(*)still do it all the time, and had quite few close calls where stopping few meters after the stop line saved my rear bumper...

[matsuki]

So the other day, the inevitable happened. Borked navi made me miss a right turn....so I opted to make a right turn at the next intersection. Large truck in front of me and some traffic but there wasn't much opposing traffic so figured it would be a quick and easy turn. Truck beat the light (I couldn't see the signal directly in front of me but there was one off to the right) so I got stuck as the first car at the intersection. Looked around to make sure a right turn was legal, no signs....so I made the turn, only to find a patrol car waiting for me, which immediately pulled me over. Apparently there are two of the blue circular signs with the forward arrow (turns are prohibited) BEFORE the intersection. Problem is, neither are visible when stopped at the intersection like I was. No signs on the opposite side of the intersection or markings on the road. As you can see here:

Screenshot_2014-05-01-00-16-10.png

One is actually above/behind you if you're the first car. The other, visible plain as day in the pic, is on the left...but at a height impossible to see if you're in the driver seat. I really need to take a good SLR quality panoramic pic from that exact position.

Screenshot_2014-05-01-00-17-38.png

So why didn't I see them as I drudged my way up the road? The truck in front of me obscured my view of both as I approached the intersection...and as if that wasn't enough, even if the sign on the left had been visible (it wasn't) as one of the police officers tried to point out for the sake of argument....entering the intersection without seeing the actual signal light is dangerous, but at this intersection, there is an additional signal light on on the far right of intersection...so your attention is focused to the right. The cops even then admitted they were waiting for someone to make a right turn there and the signs are not in the most visible places. (Yeah, it's a well known trap)

Refused to sign the ticket, resulted in them asking for my zairyu card and writing up a written confession in hiragana which they demanded I sign. I asked again, "Am I required to sign this?" To which they basically said yes. I pointed out how it didn't seem right to be forced to sign something like that will definitely be used against me if the court if the prosecutor doesn't dismiss the case. Next, I pointed to my driving recorder (which I had already tilted to face them) and reminded the whole thing was being recorded with their names, faces, everything. They ripped up the confession and said "Well, if you decide you want to change your mind, you can pay the fine with the slip we gave you. Have a good day."

Soooo, anyone here ever disputed a traffic ticket in Japan before? (Yokohama to be specific)

[Russell]

If you don't sign, you'll have to appear in court, probably at a date they set.

Anyways, it is best to argue your case with extensive photography, I assume.

I do think you will not have much chance in this case. They will just argue that you should have kept sufficient distance to the truck so that you would have been able to see the signs and the traffic light. From a legal standpoint, there is not much room for a counterargument, though I always wonder in what world such people live...

[Mike Oxlong]

They pretty much nailed it in 1960...

[Coligny]

Ehm... My whip's navy even the PSP based one had a display of the allowed direction at every crossing... And vocal announcement for the split lane by direction ones...

[matsuki]

If you don't sign, you'll have to appear in court, probably at a date they set.

Anyways, it is best to argue your case with extensive photography, I assume.

I do think you will not have much chance in this case. They will just argue that you should have kept sufficient distance to the truck so that you would have been able to see the signs and the traffic light. From a legal standpoint, there is not much room for a counterargument, though I always wonder in what world such people live...

If it's anything like California (Have no clue if it is) the cops have to show up or the case is dismissed. Many don't show up. Then there's trial by written declaration...almost all those are dismissed. What little I could find (in FG English) about the system here seemed to say that if you have the time to dispute the ticket, you have reasonable chances the court will dismiss it.

I must say that the cops were really miffed about refusing to sign the ticket or written confession...I suppose that and their word are the only evidence they have to use against someone who claims they made a LEFT turn onto that street? Problem with the distance issue is, this was slow ass moving rush hour traffic. (and they obviously felt a need to add additional traffic light on the right side for some reason...so why not a sign there as well, or at the actual intersection?) Though like you said, insanely strict (unrealistic) interpretation is most definitely a possibility.

Anyone know the process here at all? If you dispute and lose, are there any additional costs/penalties levied?

[matsuki]

Ehm... My whip's navy even the PSP based one had a display of the allowed direction at every crossing... And vocal announcement for the split lane by direction ones...

My Chinacrap Navi didn't tell me to turn there but didn't say why or that there were no turns there. Time to update the software on that thing anyways though...

[Mike Oxlong]

Those nezumi-tori deals are probably tried and true revenue generators, where they know beforehand the court has their backs...

[Russell]

The cops try to prevent it going to court, because that takes a lot of the court's time. I say they are almost desperate for it not going to court. Wondering whether traffic tickets going to court are also counted positively in their seasonal evaluation (read bonus).

[Coligny]

Those nezumi-tori deals are probably tried and true revenue generators, where they know beforehand the court has their backs...

Or that people will not contest enough therefore with a number big enough of citation it make it still worthwhile...

For me... The huge point would have been the cop knowing that the intersection and turn prohibition is not easily spotted. Meaning they are purposefully letting a known dangerous situation going unimproved.

They are knowingly turning a blind eye on a known flaw. That should be considered professional misconduct.

Sidenote...

i really enjoyed the Maplus software even on a crappy PSP hardware, they make standalone units too...
Hated that PSP sooo much that it's the first thing I tried my 10 t hydraulic press on... Boy did it felt good...,

Sidenote 2

don 't remember google maps giving restricted direction indication. Must know them though since it would be impossible to plan a route without.

Sidenote 3

Yes we know, derpa derpita.... There's no need for gos derpity doom only idiots use gps and drive through lakes, fall of cliffs or ends up on airport runways... We got it... We got a lot of training with the anti electric toothbrush Jihadistes, it's good that you are dedicating your life to fight a worthy cause... Now if only you could go suicide bomber on it we'd only have to answer once....

[matsuki]

Those nezumi-tori deals are probably tried and true revenue generators, where they know beforehand the court has their backs...

For me... The huge point would have been the cop knowing that the intersection and turn prohibition is not easily spotted. Meaning they are purposefully letting a known dangerous situation going unimproved.

They are knowingly turning a blind eye on a known flaw. That should be considered professional misconduct..

1.) I think the law enforcement agencies get the revenue directly so yeah, pretty obvious revenue generation in effect.

2.) Exactly...and if it's the police in charge of sign placement and such (likely) then I wonder what they will say to someone filing a request/report/review/complaint to add signage at the actual intersection.

[matsuki]

When you commit a traffic violation in Japan, in most cases, you will have to pay money as the penalty. In some cases, you may have to go to jail.

When you're stopped by the police officer, if you confess that you violated the traffic rule, then the officer will make a brief document about your violation. If you agree to sign the document, then you will be sent a payment slip afterwards. If you pay the fine “Hansoku-kin” within the specified time, then you wouldn’t get a criminal record (“Zenka”) written on your personal information.

But if you deny (or if your violation was serious), your case will go on to the criminal procedure. There, the prosecutor will think of what to do with your case. If your violation was very small, then the prosecutor may decide not to prosecute. But if not, your case may go to the criminal court (even just for speeding). In that case, you will get a criminal record. If you get a criminal record, it may affect your immigration status when you want to renew your visa.

So admit you're guilty and pay a fine. Get prosecuted and you're a convicted criminal and face potential prison time? No wonder most just shoganai and pay.

[Coligny]

So admit you're guilty and pay a fine. Get prosecuted and you're a convicted criminal and face potential prison time? No wonder most just shoganai and pay.

Suddenly... that situation suck a bazilion times moar...

[matsuki]

Ok, so over beer with a pro race driver here and he says for such a minor infraction, a non-repeat offender (my record is clean except for the equivalent of a driving with a burned out bulb citation), they are likely to just dismiss the case. The other j-people with us all fell into the "you can refuse to sign?!" category so wasn't too interested in their opinions. Found a legal-go read on traffic/criminal law in Japan and the entire focus of the courts is on accidents, injuries, deaths, etc. It talked about how the court system isn't large enough or prepared to handle all the cases. There were some (outdated a bit) numbers and descriptions that seemed to suggest my friend is right, the prosecutor isn't likely to want to waste time taking such a case of a minor infraction by a non-repeat offender. (especially without a signed confession or admission of guilt)

[Russell]

Frack, I could have gotten out of my previous two citations...

[Coligny]

Frack, I could have gotten out of my previous two citations...

Or gotten yourself a criminal record...

[matsuki]

So a good look at the Japaneeeeeze language interweb and it seems to agree that this will likely be dismissed. The consensus is "Japaneeeze are too majime so they won't refuse to sign."

So basically it's like normal law enforcement here where pretty much their only real tactic revolves around doing their best to get you either to sign an acknowledge guilt. (or sign a confession of guilt) Perfect system, no? The lack of either for anything "minor" tends to get rejected by the courts. (overwhelmed with current case load and not wanting to take on cases without a guaranteed win for minor offenses) It also helps that the ticket isn't for speeding.

[Russell]

So a good look at the Japaneeeeeze language interweb and it seems to agree that this will likely be dismissed. The consensus is "Japaneeeze are too majime so they won't refuse to sign."

So basically it's like normal law enforcement here where pretty much their only real tactic revolves around doing their best to get you either to sign an acknowledge guilt. (or sign a confession of guilt) Perfect system, no? The lack of either for anything "minor" tends to get rejected by the courts. (overwhelmed with current case load and not wanting to take on cases without a guaranteed win for minor offenses) It also helps that the ticket isn't for speeding.

I am interested to see how this goes.