
1954-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid system
operating. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
When driving the vehicle
Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelera-
tor pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal
will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty
in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle
only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals
properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal
using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an
accident.
The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is pow-
ered only by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise,
the pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts
may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid
system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but
the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult
to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to
stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 499
Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. (P. 216)
Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or out-
side rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are
not outside the vehicle.

1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
NOTICE
When driving the vehicle
Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driv-
ing, as this may restrain driving torque.
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at
the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move
or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (P. 530, 544)
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
Engine stalling
Short in electrical components
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional check the following:
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, differential, etc.
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

2064-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when
towing:
Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between the
trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before start-
ing off.
Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer cou-
pled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the steer-
ing wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the trailer left
or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little at a time to
prevent steering error. Have someone guide you when reversing to
lessen the risk of an accident.
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may cause
skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This is espe-
cially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching turns
and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would normally do.
Guidance

2124-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
When the steering lock cannot be released
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short
period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about
10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
When “Check Entry & Start System” is displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional immediately.
If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the power switch
with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional
immediately.
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 516
If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 545
Operation of the power switch
When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the switch
is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the power switch
mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated by a customized setting
P. 548 “Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
power switch while turning the steering
wheel left and right.

2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles are
in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (P. 254) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious acci-
dent may result.
Vehicles that cut in suddenly
Vehicles traveling at low speeds
Vehicles that are not moving
Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not func-
tion correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sensor
may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious acci-
dent may result:
When water or snow thrown up by a the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the trunk
etc.)
When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or dam-
age them.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If
the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the
area inspected and adjusted by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.

2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Before using the LDA system
Do not rely solely on the LDA system. The LDA system does not drive the
vehicle automatically, nor does it reduce the amount of care you need to take.
As such, the driver must always assume full responsibility for understanding
his/her surroundings, for operating the steering wheel to correct the driving
line, and for driving safely.
Inappropriate or negligent driving could lead to an accident.
To avoid operating the LDA by mistake
Switch the LDA system off using the LDA switch when not in use.
Situations unsuitable for LDA system
Do not use the LDA system in any of the following situations.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
When driving with tire chains, a spare tire, or similar equipment
When there are objects or structures along the roadside that might be misin-
terpreted as lane markers (such as guardrails, a curb, reflector posts, etc.)
When driving on snowy roads
When pavement lane markers are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, sand
dust, etc.
When there are visible lines on the pavement from road repairs, or if the
remains of old lane markers are still visible on the road
When driving on a road with lane closures due to maintenance, or when driv-
ing in a temporary lane

2884-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
When using the rear view monitor system
The rear view monitor system is a supplemental device intended to assist the
driver when backing up. When backing up, be sure to check visually behind
and all around the vehicle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
Never depend on the rear view monitor system entirely when backing up. The
image and the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen may differ
from the actual state.
Use caution, just as you would when backing up any vehicle.
Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle
speed.
The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to traffic
conditions, road surface conditions, vehicle condition, etc. when parking. It is
necessary to be fully aware of this before using the rear view monitor system.
When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate your
vehicle before maneuvering into it.
Do not use the rear view monitor system in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains
• When the trunk lid is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or straight, such as curves or slopes.
In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become faint.
The image could distort when the vehicle is moving, or you may become
unable to see the image on the screen. Be sure to check direct visually and
with the mirrors all around the vehicle before proceeding.
If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the fixed guide lines displayed on
the screen may change.
The camera uses a special lens. The distances between objects and pedestrians
that appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ from the actual
distances.
(P. 281)

2934-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turn-
ing on slippery road surfaces
VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
Hill-start assist control
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline
or slippery slope
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.