JapanJapan

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.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Japan

1. Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia stretching from the colder, snowy north of Hokkaido to the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Traffic drives on the left, and road conditions vary from extremely dense urban networks and narrow residential streets to mountain roads and a large intercity expressway system. Written road information is primarily in Japanese, using kanji and the Japanese syllabaries, but major guide signs commonly include Roman-letter or English information and expressways use an E-number route system designed partly to make navigation easier for international visitors.

Japan has no nationwide motorway vignette; many expressways are toll roads, with ETC electronic toll collection widely used. The normal statutory maximum for an ordinary passenger car on a national expressway is 100 km/h, although selected sections are signed at up to 120 km/h. Foreign visitors also need to pay particular attention to licensing: Japan accepts qualifying 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permits, while licences from a small group of specified countries and regions can instead be used with an authorised Japanese translation. Snow can make winter equipment essential in northern and mountainous areas, while earthquakes, typhoons and heavy rain can cause temporary closures and special traffic restrictions.

Let's explore the traffic rules of Japan.
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA

Which side of the road do you drive on in Japan?

Drive on the left-hand side of the road and normally overtake on the right.

🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, safe-driving rules, Keep left

Can you drive after drinking alcohol in Japan?

No. Do not drink alcohol before driving. Japan prohibits drink-driving and also penalises certain people who knowingly provide a vehicle or alcohol to a driver, or ride with a driver who has been drinking.

🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, safe-driving rules, Drink-driving prohibition

What speed limits apply to passenger cars in Japan?

Ordinary roads: From 1 September 2026, the statutory maximum is 30 km/h on qualifying roads without a centre line or traffic lanes. Roads with a centre line, traffic lanes, physically separated directions and certain other specified roads retain the 60 km/h statutory maximum unless another speed limit is posted.

Expressways: For an ordinary passenger car, the normal statutory maximum on a national expressway is 100 km/h. Some high-standard sections have higher posted limits of up to 120 km/h, while many other sections are signed lower because of road, weather or traffic conditions.

🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, residential-road speed change, Residential-road limit from 1 September 2026; 🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, expressway speed limits, Statutory and posted expressway speed limits

Are seat belts compulsory in Japan?

Yes. Seat belts are required in all seating positions, including rear seats, where belts are provided.

🔗 japaneselawtranslation.go.jp • Japanese Government, Road Traffic Act, English translation, Articles 33, 38, 71 and 71-3, safe-driving duties; 🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, safe-driving rules, Safe-driving rules

When must children use a child seat in Japan?

A driver must not normally carry a child under six years old without an appropriate child-restraint system, subject to limited statutory exceptions. A suitable restraint is also recommended for older children who are too small for an adult seat belt to fit correctly.

Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Japan?

No. A driver must not hold a mobile phone for a call or look continuously at a phone or similar display while the vehicle is moving. Stop in a safe place before operating the device.

Do pedestrians have priority at pedestrian crossings in Japan?

Yes. Drivers approaching a crossing must slow sufficiently to stop unless it is clearly empty, and must stop and give way when a pedestrian is crossing or about to cross.

Must you stop at railway crossings in Japan?

Normally yes. Before crossing railway tracks, drivers must come to a complete stop and check that it is safe. Where a traffic signal directly controls the railway crossing, drivers may proceed according to that signal.

Which driving documents can foreign visitors use in Japan?

International Driving Permit: Only a qualifying International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention is accepted. An IDP issued under another convention or in a non-compliant format does not automatically authorise driving in Japan.

Foreign licence with a translation: Drivers normally need a Japanese licence or a qualifying Geneva Convention IDP. A special exception allows licences issued by Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan to be used with an authorised Japanese translation.

Permitted period: Generally for no more than one year after entering Japan, or until the IDP expires, whichever occurs first. Special rules affect residents who leave and re-enter Japan for short periods.

🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, driving licences, May 2026, Recognised foreign licences and IDPs

Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Japan?

Yes. Riders of motorcycles and motorised bicycles must wear a motorcycle helmet. A motorcycle rider must not carry a passenger who is not wearing one. Both rider and passenger need the required protection.

🔗 japaneselawtranslation.go.jp • Japanese Government, Road Traffic Act, English translation

Should cyclists wear a helmet in Japan?

Yes. Since April 2023, national law asks all bicycle users to make every effort to wear a helmet. Use a suitable safety helmet and fasten the chin strap correctly. This is an effort obligation, rather than the mandatory helmet rule that applies to motorcycles.

🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, bicycle helmets

Motorway

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 ...