Ch. 5 · Driving Method

If an automatic transmission vehicle stalls inside a railroad crossing or intersection, it is possible to move the vehicle by operating the starter motor, just as with a manual transmission vehicle.

[True / False · Hard]

Answer: ✕ False

Explanation

This statement is incorrect. With a manual transmission vehicle, you can move the vehicle using the starter motor without disengaging the clutch, but this method cannot be used with an automatic transmission vehicle. Chapter 6, Section 5 (Emergency Measures), (1) of the Rules of the Road states that this method cannot be used with automatic transmission vehicles and the like.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 14: Driving an automatic-transmission vehicle

Hikari

If my automatic car stalls in a crossing, I can just crank the starter to inch forward like a manual, right?

Misaki

No, that's false. Manual cars can move on the starter because the clutch stays engaged, but the Rules say that trick can't be used in an automatic—it simply won't work.

Hikari

Wait, so I'd be completely stuck?

Misaki

You'd need to shift to neutral and push, or get help. Never count on the starter trick in an automatic.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第９節オートマチック車などの運転) · 第６章第５節緊急時の措置／（１）踏切や交差点の中でエンストしたときは、気が焦れば焦るほどエンジンが掛からないものです。このようなときは、非常手段としてギアをローかセコンドに入れ、セルモーター（始動電動機）を使つて車を動かすこともできます。（ただし、オートマチック車やクラッチペダルを踏まないとエンジンが始動しない装置を備えている車には、この方法は使えません。）

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Source content excerpted from the NPA “Rules of the Road” instructional manual, in the public domain under Japanese Copyright Act Article 13(2). Explanations are AI-assisted and copyrighted by the MenkyoQuest editorial team.