Japanese traffic rules

Keep left

As in Hong Kong and Macau, traffic in Japan drives on the left. On the expressway, the right lane is likewise the overtaking lane.

Major traffic signs in Japan

• General national highways and prefectural roads
• No entry, no parking, no stopping, no U-turn, no entry ahead
• Speed limit, stop
• 50cc vehicles may not make a two-stage right turn
• Drive only in the direction shown, one-way street

Stop signs

Stop signs usually appear at road junctions, where routes merge, and near special public places such as schools and hospitals. You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop; on a motorcycle, your foot must touch the ground to count as a full stop. If you ride in a group, every vehicle must stop. Also, if you see a red light like the one at a railway crossing, you must stop when it flashes even without a stop sign.

Speed limits

If there is no speed sign on the road, the maximum in Japan is 100 km/h on national highways and 50 km/h on other roads. But most expressways are 90 km/h, and some are 80 km/h. Speed limits may also be adjusted for weather, so watch the current speed signs.

Overtaking

• White dotted line: no special restriction — you may cross to overtake the vehicle ahead.
• White solid line: usually before special sections or merges — you may not cross.
• Solid yellow line: usually before special sections or merges — you may not cross to overtake.

Special roads

At intersections there are usually arrows on the road showing which way you may go: generally the rightmost lane turns right, the middle goes straight, and the leftmost turns left. About 30 to 40 metres before the intersection the line becomes solid yellow, and you may no longer change lanes — you must follow the direction marked on the ground. Slow down and check the ground markings carefully before crossing.

Zebra crossings and level crossings

Pedestrians and bicycles have priority at zebra crossings; when crossing, make sure no pedestrians or bicycles are passing on either side, and let any waiting pedestrian go first. At a level crossing you must stop completely even if the gate is fully open; failing to comply may result in a fine.

Traffic lights

In Japan many traffic lights have arrows showing which way you may go; when an arrow shows green, you may proceed in that direction. Most lights are mounted on the far side of the road, so at intersections remember to watch the lights across the junction.

Rules for vehicles 50cc or under

• May not carry passengers
• Maximum speed: 30 km/h
• Must ride within one metre of the left edge of the road
• May not use highways
• To turn right on a three-lane road, a two-stage turn must be used (in some cases it is not allowed)

About parking

In cities you must park in a parking area; if you park illegally on the road, an officer will issue you a ticket. Vehicles under 50cc can be parked in bicycle parking; motorcycles over 50cc should use motorcycle spaces, though parking in a private car space is also legal. Before using a supermarket, department store or mall car park, confirm the terms of use; convenience-store parking generally cannot be used for long periods.