Car navigation, a key to comfortable driving, is now essential.

A must-have for rentals, but is car navigation **standard equipment**?

This time, we'll answer that common question.

Car Navigation: Essential Now! But Not Always Standard in Rentals

Given their high adoption in private cars, car navigation systems are now mostly standard equipment in rental cars.

However, some budget rental companies may not include them, or charge extra. **Prior confirmation is necessary** when booking.

Cheaper rental companies require extra caution. Rest assured, Sapporo Rent-a-Car offers **standard equipment on all vehicle types**.

While smartphone map apps can substitute, using a phone for navigation requires it to be **fixed** in a visible spot while driving.

Self-installing a phone holder in a rental car, even with suction or clips, isn't recommended due to the **risk of interior damage**.

Choosing a rental with standard genuine car navigation offers **stable guidance** and **peace of mind**, though it might differ from your usual map app.

Latest Models Offer Enhanced Smartphone Connectivity

Recent models may feature smartphone integration like 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'.

These features allow you to display your smartphone screen on the car navigation display, controlling your favorite map and music apps from there.

However, compatible vehicle models are still limited, and functionality may be restricted.

If desired, we recommend **checking vehicle compatibility** when booking (Apologies, Sapporo Rent-a-Car does not offer this).

What Can a Rental Car's Navigation System Do?

Car navigation has become highly multi-functional, but many users likely 'only use it for route guidance'.

Beyond basic functions like current location and route guidance, the 'nearby search function' for parking, convenience stores, and gas stations is especially handy.

It's packed with useful features like the 'traffic display function' for congestion and regulations.

Latest car navigation systems also offer rich features for a more enjoyable trip, including tourist info, dining search, and 3D building display.

Not strictly navigation, but the 'Bluetooth function' is handy for listening to favorite music while driving.

Bluetooth is a wireless feature in smartphones and audio devices, enabling music playback through car speakers and hands-free calls without cables.

At Sapporo Rent-a-Car, all vehicles come with Bluetooth connectivity as **standard equipment**.

Car Navigation: Usage Precautions?

Despite their many useful features, car navigation systems require some precautions.

With the December 1, 2019 Road Traffic Act revision, penalties for 'distracted driving'—using communication devices or staring at screens while driving—were toughened.

These violate 'Road Traffic Act Article 71-5-5,' incurring **up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 yen**.

If distracted driving causes accidents or traffic hazards, penalties are stricter: up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.

Violation points triple to 6, leading to **license suspension**.

Even a few seconds of 'distracted driving' poses significant danger.

Car navigation systems are usually set to prevent operation while driving.

When using car navigation, stop in a safe spot and operate only after **confirming surrounding safety**.

Always set your destination route **before departure**.

Sapporo Rent-a-Car: All Vehicles with Standard Car Navigation!

Sapporo Rent-a-Car, leveraging the Sapporo Nissan Motor Group's strengths, quickly offers new Nissan models with advanced features.

Over 95% are new vehicles, with genuine Nissan car navigation as standard (excluding AD Van commercial vehicles)!

Enjoy a **safe, secure, and comfortable** drive at no extra cost.

For any questions, like car navigation settings, please ask our staff before departure!