OvertakingJapan

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.


26. Overtaking

Overtaking is the act of passing another road user travelling in the same direction. It normally involves moving to another position or lane, passing the slower road user and returning to the appropriate position when it is safe.

Before overtaking, a driver should make sure there is sufficient visibility and space, check mirrors and blind spots, signal when required and ensure that no other road user is already overtaking. The manoeuvre must be completed without exceeding the speed limit or endangering other road users.

Overtaking
No-overtaking restriction sign in Moriyama. (Nagoya, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • 円周率3パーセント • CC BY-SA
On which side do drivers normally overtake in Japan?

As traffic normally keeps left, drivers ordinarily overtake on the right. This is the general rule, not permission to pass wherever a lane is available; exceptions and restrictions depend on the local law.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 18, 28–30

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

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment

When should you avoid overtaking in Japan?

Do not begin if approaching traffic, restricted visibility, road markings, an intersection, a crossing or another road user makes the manoeuvre unsafe or unlawful. Check behind and ahead, allow enough space and never exceed the speed limit to complete the pass.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 18, 28–30

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

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment

What extra care is needed when overtaking slower road users in Japan?

When overtaking, comply with Article 28 and allow safe clearance for the speed and circumstances. Separately, from 1 April 2026, Article 18(3) requires a safe speed appropriate to the available gap when a motor vehicle passes to the right of a same-direction bicycle or specified small motorised bicycle, outside an overtaking manoeuvre, without sufficient clearance. Do not treat guidance distances as a fixed statutory minimum for every pass. Wait if you cannot pass safely; Article 18(2) separately protects pedestrians through safe clearance or slow travel.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 18, 28–30

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

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment

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