Question from a reader:
Is it a violation to drive over 100 km/h on a national road in the city? Can you explain this in detail?

Considering Speed Violations on National Roads in the City

Recently, while driving with friends, the topic came up: “Isn’t it a violation to drive over 100 km/h on a national road?” I believe everyone pays attention
to speed limits while driving, but I felt it was worth delving deeper into the legal aspects. This time, I will explain the details of speed violations.

The Basics of Speed Violations

First of all, what constitutes a speed violation? According to Japan’s Road Traffic Act, exceeding the speed limit is considered a speed violation. These speed limits vary depending on the type and condition of the road, such as national roads, general roads, and highways. For national roads, the limits are often set at 60 km/h or 80 km/h. In my opinion, the standards for speed violations should be strict. Especially in urban areas, where there are many people, bicycles, and even pedestrians, speeding can be extremely dangerous. In fact, one of my friends was caught for speeding in the past. While waiting at a traffic light, a police car approached from behind, and before he knew it, the red lights were flashing. He said, “I never thought I would get caught,” but it turned out he was clearly exceeding the limit when he looked at the speedometer.

Legal Aspects of Speed Violations

Let’s consider what legal penalties exist for committing a speed violation. Essentially, points are added to your traffic violation record, and fines are imposed. In the case of a typical speed violation, if you exceed the limit by more than 30 km/h, the fines become substantial, and points are significantly added. If you drive at a speed exceeding 100 km/h, the fines can range from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand yen, which is quite severe. Moreover, speed violations are often targeted by police enforcement. Particularly in busy areas and around schools, police cars frequently patrol. I personally experienced a moment of panic when I made eye contact with a police car while driving in the city. I think many drivers share that common feeling of becoming careless in their driving at that moment.

Psychological Factors Behind Speed Violations

Now, let’s consider speed violations from a psychological perspective. There are several factors that contribute to the tendency to speed while driving. The first is the desire for “comfort.” To feel comfortable while driving, one might unconsciously increase their speed. I also tend to speed a little when going on long drives to ensure a comfortable driving experience. It’s common to find oneself exceeding the speed limit while trying to match the speed of surrounding vehicles. The second factor is “time pressure.” When in a hurry, it’s human nature to want to speed. I have had experiences of driving anxiously when I was about to be late for a university class. If one can maintain a sense of composure, they can keep their speed in check, but anxiety can hinder rational judgment.

Real Case Study

Let’s consider a real case. Suppose a university student is driving on a national road, engrossed in conversation with friends, and suddenly notices that the speedometer reads 110 km/h. At this moment, what should this student be thinking and how should they act? First, if they are aware that they are committing a speed violation, they should immediately reduce their speed. At the same time, it’s important to pay attention to surrounding traffic and take actions to prevent accidents. If they are spotted by a police car, the mental toll of thinking about fines and points later can be significant. It’s common for anyone to lose track of time while enjoying a conversation with friends, but focusing on driving is the most important thing. I myself have had moments where I got carried away during a drive with friends and ended up speeding, and the anxiety and fear from that experience remain vivid in my memory. Regardless of how enjoyable the conversation is, one must always pay attention to speed while driving.

Conclusion

Driving over 100 km/h on a national road in the city is clearly a speed violation. As a result, there is a high likelihood of facing legal penalties. It’s important to remember that speeding not only breaks the law but also endangers oneself and others. From my experiences and psychological perspective, it’s crucial to remain calm while driving and to adhere strictly to speed limits. Enjoyment is important, but one must always take responsibility when driving. In my next drive, I want to reassess my driving style and strive to enjoy it more safely. Safe driving is the key to an enjoyable drive.