Japan vs Thailand: Driving Rules Compared

Thailand doesn’t give first-timers a pass on seatbelts: it’s a flat THB 500 fine, about EUR 13, from the first stop. Japan reserves that penalty for repeat offenders; a first missed seatbelt usually earns only a warning and one point. Both countries drive on the left, but Thailand’s motorways allow 120 km/h against Japan’s 100, while Japan holds a tighter 0.03% alcohol limit than Thailand’s 0.05%.