Justice

How Japan Saves Lives With Driver Decals

In the U.S., only New Jersey mandates this practice.
Cars travel on the crowded New Jersey turnpike.Reuters/Mike Segar

Though the green and yellow sticker on the front and rear bumpers of some cars in Japan is pleasing to the eye, it’s not for decoration. Japanese law requires beginning drivers to affix the decals for a year after obtaining a license. Countries such as Australia, India, and Ireland similarly mandate that newbie drivers’ vehicles sport an identifying symbol, such as a sticker with the letter L (for learner) in the middle. The idea is to promote safety by encouraging fellow motorists to give the marked cars a little more space.

In the U.S., only New Jersey requires such a mark. Kyleigh’s Law, named after a 16-year-old who was killed in a crash in 2006, obliges anyone under 21 who is in the first year of a driver’s license in the state to display a small, square red sticker on their front and back plates. Those who do not may be fined $100.