ExpresswayJapan

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Japan. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


3. Expressway

An expressway is a road intended to carry through traffic efficiently, usually at higher speeds than ordinary roads. Expressways often have limited access, multiple lanes, separated carriageways or grade-separated junctions, but their design and legal status vary between countries.

An expressway is not always a motorway. It may have intersections, traffic lights or direct access, and the permitted road users, speed limits and special rules depend on local signs and regulations.

Vehicles-only sign at Nagahama Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. (Nagahama, Shiga, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • 運動会プロテインパワー • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to an expressway in Japan?

Japanese rules distinguish 高速自動車国道 (kosoku jidosha kokudo), national expressway routes, from 自動車専用道路 (jidosha senyo doro), roads reserved for motor vehicles. Urban expressways can belong to the latter category.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 20, 22 and 75-4 to 75-7; decree Articles 11, 27 and 27-2

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Road Traffic Act Enforcement Order — current ordinary-road and expressway provisions

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced decree revision metadata

🔗 chugokushikoku.npa.go.jp • Regional NPA — expressway wrong-way prevention and incident instructions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — expressway driving and safety guidance

What speed limit applies to cars on an expressway in Japan?

Do not apply the national-expressway car default to every motor-vehicle-only road. For a motor-vehicle-only road outside that national-expressway category, the unsigned statutory maximum remains 60 km/h. Posted limits can differ; follow the actual signs.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 20, 22 and 75-4 to 75-7; decree Articles 11, 27 and 27-2

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Road Traffic Act Enforcement Order — current ordinary-road and expressway provisions

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced decree revision metadata

🔗 chugokushikoku.npa.go.jp • Regional NPA — expressway wrong-way prevention and incident instructions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — expressway driving and safety guidance

Which lane should I normally use on a Japanese expressway?

The National Police Agency advises keeping left and choosing lanes according to your vehicle, speed, traffic restrictions and surrounding traffic. Use the overtaking lane appropriately and return left when safe.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 20, 22 and 75-4 to 75-7; decree Articles 11, 27 and 27-2

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Road Traffic Act Enforcement Order — current ordinary-road and expressway provisions

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced decree revision metadata

🔗 chugokushikoku.npa.go.jp • Regional NPA — expressway wrong-way prevention and incident instructions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — expressway driving and safety guidance

What should I do if I miss an expressway exit in Japan?

Continue to the next exit and choose a safe onward route. Do not reverse, make a U-turn to reach a missed exit.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 20, 22 and 75-4 to 75-7; decree Articles 11, 27 and 27-2

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Road Traffic Act Enforcement Order — current ordinary-road and expressway provisions

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced decree revision metadata

🔗 chugokushikoku.npa.go.jp • Regional NPA — expressway wrong-way prevention and incident instructions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — expressway driving and safety guidance

1 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...