What is the hearing impaired mark?
The hearing impaired mark was introduced on June 1, 2008, when a law amending part of the Road Traffic Act came into effect.
Hearing Impaired Mark
The main content of the amendment is to allow hearing-impaired people to drive cars if they meet certain conditions. A hearing-impaired person here is someone who cannot hear a 90 decibel horn at a distance of 10 meters, even with a hearing aid. More specific conditions include the requirement to display a hearing-impaired mark on the front and rear of the vehicle. In addition, by installing a specific rearview mirror (wide mirror or auxiliary mirror) that shows “blind spots” that are difficult to see from the driver’s seat, it will be possible to obtain a driver’s license limited to standard passenger cars.
In other words, initially, hearing-impaired people were only allowed to drive regular passenger cars, but the scope of applicable vehicles was subsequently expanded. As for motorcycles, from April 1, 2012, the hearing test required to obtain a driver’s license for large motorcycles, regular motorcycles, and mopeds was abolished. This means that hearing-impaired people can now obtain a driver’s license.
Currently, hearing tests are no longer required when obtaining a driver’s license for large motorcycles, regular motorcycles, and mopeds.
Do I need a hearing impaired mark on my motorcycle?
As mentioned above, it is mandatory to have a hearing impaired person’s mark on your car, and violating this is a violation of the Road Traffic Act.
・Fine: Large vehicles (medium-sized vehicles only): 6,000 yen, standard vehicles: 4,000 yen
・Fine point: 1 point
However, this only applies to standard passenger cars, standard freight vehicles, and mid-size vehicles (total vehicle weight between 3.5 tons and 7.5 tons).
When a hearing impaired person drives a regular passenger car, it is mandatory to attach a hearing impaired person’s mark to the front and rear of the vehicle.
So what about motorcycles? Basically, when driving large motorcycles, standard motorcycles, or mopeds, there is no obligation to wear a hearing impaired mark or a designated rearview mirror. In other words, it is not a violation.
By the way, currently, there is no hearing test to obtain a motorcycle license, but there is a vision test, and you must meet the following conditions, so please be aware of this.
[Visual acuity standards for a moped license]
・0.5 or higher in both eyes
・For those who are blind in one eye, the other eye must have a visual field of 150 degrees or more on both sides and a visual acuity of 0.5 or higher
[Visual acuity standards for motorcycle licenses]
・Visual acuity must be 0.7 or higher in both eyes, and 0.3 or higher in each eye.
・For those whose visual acuity in one eye is less than 0.3 or who are blind in one eye, the visual field of the other eye must be 150 degrees or higher on both sides, and their visual acuity must be 0.7 or higher.
Furthermore, it is a violation of the Road Traffic Act for other vehicles, including motorcycles, to cut in front of or close to a passenger car with a hearing impaired mark.
・Fine: 6,000 yen for regular cars, 6,000 yen for motorcycles
・Fine point: 1 point
will be penalized.
What about the clover mark?
Another marking worn by physically disabled drivers is the “Disabled Person’s Mark,” which has a white clover on a blue background. This marking is worn by drivers who have a license to drive a standard car but whose license has conditions attached due to a physical disability.
Physically disabled person mark
Again, this applies to regular passenger cars, and unlike the hearing impaired mark, it is a voluntary obligation, so there is no penalty for not displaying it. Naturally, motorcycles are exempt, but it is important to note that if other vehicles cut in front of you or cut in front of you, it will be a violation, just like with the hearing impaired mark. The same fines and penalty points will be assessed, so be careful.
Driving in a way that obstructs the movement of vehicles, such as by driving close to the side of a vehicle, is not only a traffic violation, but also poor manners, not only for vehicles driven by people with disabilities, but also for vehicles with beginner or elderly driver marks. Please be sure to be kind enough to give way if you see such vehicles.
I want to be mindful of my driving style, not only when driving cars driven by people with disabilities, but also when driving cars with beginner or elderly driver marks.
