Ch. 5 · Driving Method

In an autonomous vehicle, if the automated driving system is being used properly, you may use a smartphone while driving.

[True / False · Hard]

Answer: ✓ True

Explanation

The Rules of the Road states: "Except when properly using an automated driving system in an autonomous vehicle, you must not use a smartphone or other mobile phone while driving." The exception is recognized when the automated driving system is being used properly.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 9: Safety checks, signals, and horn use

Hikari
Hikari
Wait, using a phone while driving is always illegal, right?
Misaki
Misaki
That's true — but there's an exception. If you're properly using an autonomous vehicle's automated system, smartphone use is allowed.
Hikari
Hikari
So the car has to actually be driving itself?
Misaki
Misaki
Correct. The key word is 'properly using' — the system must be engaged and functioning.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第１節 安全な発進) · ２ 運転姿勢など（４）

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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.