Traffic signsJapan

It means that a driver may not voluntarily stop the vehicle in the restricted area. The prohibition normally includes stopping to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods.

No stopping is the stricter restriction. A no-parking rule may still allow a brief stop for activities such as picking up passengers or loading goods, while a no-stopping rule prohibits these voluntary stops as well.

A driver may have to stop because of an emergency, traffic conditions, a red light, police instructions or another situation outside the driver's control. Such compulsory stops are generally different from voluntarily stopping the vehicle.

Disabled parking spaces are intended for eligible people who hold a valid disabled parking permit or card. The exact eligibility requirements and permit system depend on the country.

Generally no. Disabled parking permits are normally personal and may only be used when the permit holder is driving or travelling in the vehicle.

No. A permit may provide access to reserved spaces or exemptions from certain parking restrictions, but rules concerning parking charges and time limits vary between countries and local authorities.

Traffic management is the organised control and guidance of traffic using signs, signals, road markings, lane controls, speed restrictions, diversions and other measures.

Traffic management is used to improve safety, control traffic flow and reduce disruption. It can also protect road workers, pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services.

Common methods include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, variable-message signs, lane-control signals, temporary barriers, speed restrictions and diversions. Authorised persons may also direct traffic.

Yes. Temporary or variable speed-limit signs may impose a different maximum speed because of congestion, roadworks, weather, incidents or other conditions. Drivers must follow the limit currently displayed.

Yes. Lane-control signals, temporary signs or road markings may close lanes, move traffic into different lanes or require drivers to change lane. Follow the current signs and markings rather than the normal road layout.

Move into an open lane safely and in good time, following any arrows, signs and local merging rules. Never continue along a lane that is clearly indicated as closed.

Yes. Properly authorised temporary signs used for roadworks, incidents or other traffic-management measures must be obeyed in the same way as other official traffic signs.

Follow the directions of the authorised person. In many countries, these directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs or the normal traffic rules.

Roadworks may use temporary speed limits, lane closures, barriers, temporary markings, traffic lights and diversions. Road users should reduce speed where necessary and carefully follow the temporary route.

Yes. Temporary or permanent traffic arrangements should account for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motor vehicles. They may be provided with separate routes, crossings, signals or diversions where necessary.

Check behind and around the vehicle for pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles and obstacles. Use mirrors and cameras where available, but also look directly because monitoring systems can have blind spots.

In many countries, reversing is treated as a manoeuvre and the reversing driver must give way to other road users. The exact legal requirements depend on national traffic rules.

No. Reversing should normally be limited to the distance necessary to complete the manoeuvre safely. Driving forward generally provides better visibility and vehicle control.

A U-turn is a manoeuvre used to reverse a vehicle's direction so that it continues along the road in the opposite direction.

Check traffic in all relevant directions, mirrors and blind spots, and look for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Make sure there is sufficient visibility and space and that the manoeuvre is permitted.

No. U-turns may be prohibited by traffic signs or road rules and should never be attempted where visibility, road layout or traffic conditions make the manoeuvre unsafe.

An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where priority is not specifically assigned by traffic lights, an authorised person or priority signs. Drivers must use the default priority rules of the country.

This depends on the local traffic law. Some countries use priority from the right, while others use different rules. Drivers should know the default intersection rule of the country in which they are driving.

Not necessarily. The width, surface or amount of traffic on a road does not by itself determine priority unless local law specifically provides otherwise.

Yes. Approach at a speed that allows you to observe approaching traffic, determine who has priority and stop safely if necessary.

Yes. Cyclists generally follow the applicable intersection priority rules unless a specific cycle facility, sign or local rule provides otherwise.

No. Continuing straight ahead does not automatically give priority over traffic approaching on another road. The applicable priority rules must still be followed.

Turning may create additional obligations, particularly towards pedestrians, cyclists or opposing traffic. Drivers must follow both the intersection priority rule and the rules governing the intended turn.

Apply the country's default priority rule. Do not rely simply on which vehicle appears to have arrived first unless local law specifically uses that rule.

The intersection is not necessarily completely uncontrolled. Priority signs, road markings and default priority rules may still determine who must give way. Drivers should approach with particular caution.

Reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Never force your way through an intersection simply because the priority situation is unclear.

A road surface warning indicates that the surface ahead may be uneven, damaged or otherwise capable of affecting the safe movement of vehicles.

Depending on the country, it may warn of bumps, depressions, potholes, broken pavement, uneven repairs or other surface irregularities.

Reduce speed where necessary, increase your awareness of the road ahead and be prepared for changes in the vehicle's stability or direction.

Not normally. A warning sign alerts drivers to a hazard rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be used where a particular maximum speed is required.

Where slowing is necessary, it is generally safer to reduce speed before reaching the irregular surface rather than braking sharply while travelling over it.

A severe surface irregularity can affect tyre contact, steering, braking and vehicle stability. It can also damage tyres, wheels or suspension components.

Yes. Two-wheeled vehicles can be particularly sensitive to potholes, ridges and other irregularities because these hazards may disturb their balance or alter their direction suddenly.

No. An uneven-road warning concerns the physical condition or shape of the road surface. A slippery-road warning concerns reduced tyre grip caused by the surface or conditions such as water, ice, mud or other substances.

Yes. A supplementary sign may indicate the distance to the hazard or the length of the affected section, depending on the country's traffic-sign system.

Yes, when conditions require it. Additional distance provides more time to react if the vehicle ahead slows suddenly to avoid a pothole or other surface defect.

An emergency exit is a designated escape route that allows people to leave the traffic area of a tunnel and reach a safer location during an emergency.

Use an emergency exit when evacuation is necessary because of fire, smoke or another serious danger, or when instructed to evacuate by tunnel personnel or emergency services.

No. Tunnel emergency exits are intended for people evacuating on foot. Leave the vehicle when necessary and follow the marked escape route towards safety.

A city limit marks the boundary of a city, town, village, locality or municipality. On roads, it is often indicated by a place-name or boundary sign.

No. A city-limit or locality sign may simply identify a place or administrative boundary. A legally defined built-up area can use a different sign or definition.

No. In some countries a locality or boundary sign has consequences for traffic rules, while in others it mainly identifies the place. Drivers must follow the traffic signs and rules that apply in that country.

Not always. Some signs indicate an administrative municipal boundary, while others identify a city, town, village or locality without exactly following the municipality's legal boundary.

A city limit identifies the boundary of a named place or administrative area. A built-up area is a traffic-law concept that may affect rules such as default speed limits. The two boundaries can coincide, but they do not have to.

A licence plate is a plate displaying the registration identifier assigned to a vehicle. It allows authorities and other authorised systems to identify the vehicle's registration.

Yes. Licence plate, registration plate and number plate are different terms commonly used for the plate displaying a vehicle's official registration number.

Most motor vehicles used on public roads must display one or more registration plates, but requirements differ for motorcycles, trailers, agricultural vehicles and other special vehicle categories.

This depends on the country and vehicle type. Cars commonly require front and rear plates, while motorcycles and certain other vehicles may require only a rear plate.

Yes. A required registration plate must normally remain clearly visible and readable. It should not be hidden by luggage, dirt, accessories or other objects.

Generally no. Changing the characters, colours, dimensions or appearance of an official plate may make it invalid or illegal. Plates and authorised reproductions must comply with local specifications.

Follow the local reporting and replacement procedure. Many countries require the loss or theft to be reported to the police or vehicle-registration authority before a replacement plate can be issued.

A plate must remain legible and compliant with local requirements. If damage prevents it from being read or makes it invalid, it should be replaced according to the local registration procedure.

Some countries allow motorists to request a personalised registration combination. The available characters, formats and prohibited combinations are determined by the registration authority.

This varies between countries. In some systems the plate remains with the vehicle, while in others it remains associated with the registered holder and may be retained or returned when the vehicle is sold.

A charging station is a location where electric vehicles can be connected to an electricity supply to recharge their batteries. A station may contain one or several individual charging points.

Charging stations are intended for vehicles that can be externally charged, such as battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The exact vehicle categories permitted may be indicated by local signs or operator conditions.

Not necessarily. A space beside a charger may be reserved for electric vehicles or vehicles that are charging. Drivers must check the signs and markings before parking there.

Not where the parking space is officially reserved for electric vehicles. An ordinary parking space located near a charger may be different, so the applicable signs and markings determine who may park there.

This depends on the local traffic and parking rules. Many charging spaces require the vehicle to be connected to the charger, even if the vehicle itself is electric.

Charging may be free or subject to payment. The price and payment method are determined by the charging operator, while separate parking charges may also apply.

Yes. Traffic signs, parking regulations or charging conditions may establish a maximum duration to encourage drivers to move their vehicles and make the charger available to others.

Follow the local parking rules and charging conditions. Some locations require vehicles to leave after charging or impose additional fees or time limits when the charging session has ended.

No. A charging station does not allow a driver to ignore no-parking rules, reserved spaces, time limits or other traffic regulations. The vehicle must still be legally parked.

No. Charging stations can provide different charging powers. Some are intended for longer parking periods, while high-power chargers can recharge compatible vehicles much more quickly.

A general danger warning sign indicates that there is a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign in the local traffic-sign system.

It can be used for unusual or uncommon hazards for which no dedicated warning symbol exists. The nature of the danger may be explained by an additional panel, symbol or message.

Look for a supplementary panel, text or symbol accompanying the warning sign. It may describe the hazard or provide information needed to understand the warning.

Increase your attention, observe the road and surroundings carefully and adapt your speed where necessary so that you can respond safely to the hazard.

Not normally. A warning sign alerts road users to danger rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be provided where a specific maximum speed is required.

It is used when the traffic-sign system does not contain a specific symbol that accurately represents the particular hazard.

Yes. A general warning sign may be used for either a temporary or continuing hazard, depending on local signing rules and the circumstances.

Yes. Depending on the country's traffic-sign system, an additional panel may indicate the distance to the hazard, the length of the dangerous section or other useful information.

No. A danger warning sign does not by itself change the priority rules. Drivers must continue to follow traffic lights, priority signs and the normal right-of-way rules.

Not necessarily. The sign normally warns of a hazard ahead of the sign, and the dangerous situation may extend over a section of road. Supplementary information may indicate its location or length.

A pedestrian is primarily a person travelling on foot. Local traffic laws may also treat people pushing bicycles, wheelchairs, prams or certain other devices as pedestrians.

Pedestrians should normally use pavements, sidewalks, footpaths or other areas provided for pedestrians. Where these are unavailable, local rules determine where pedestrians may walk on or beside the road.

This depends on the country's traffic rules. Many countries require or recommend pedestrians to face approaching traffic, but the exact rule varies.

Use a pedestrian crossing, traffic-light-controlled crossing or other designated crossing where required or reasonably available. Where crossing elsewhere is permitted, choose a location with good visibility and cross carefully.

The exact priority rule varies between countries. Drivers are commonly required to give way to pedestrians using or entering designated crossings, but pedestrians must still obey traffic lights and avoid entering the road dangerously.

Yes. Where pedestrian signals are provided, pedestrians must follow their indications and should not enter the roadway while the signal prohibits crossing.

In many traffic systems, a person who dismounts and walks beside a bicycle is treated as a pedestrian. The precise legal classification depends on local law.

This depends on the road layout and local rules. Pedestrians may sometimes use a cycle path when no suitable pedestrian facility is available, but they must not unnecessarily obstruct cyclists or other authorised users.

Yes. Drivers turning into another road must watch carefully for pedestrians crossing the road they are entering and give way where required by local traffic law.

Check carefully for approaching traffic from all relevant directions, make sure there is sufficient time and distance to cross safely, and continue to observe traffic while crossing.

A cyclist is a person who rides and controls a bicycle.

Yes. Cyclists are road users and must follow the traffic rules, signs and signals that apply to them.

This depends on local rules. Cyclists may be required to use a cycle path or designated cycling facility, while in other situations they may ride on the carriageway.

A moped is a lightweight motor vehicle whose engine power, capacity or maximum design speed is restricted by law. The precise technical definition differs between countries.

No. Mopeds normally have lower maximum speeds and power than motorcycles and are classified separately under traffic and licensing laws.

Yes, potentially. A vehicle can be legally classified as a moped whether its motor is electric or uses an internal-combustion engine. Classification depends on factors such as design speed and power.

This depends on the country and moped category. Some low-speed mopeds may be ridden without a licence, while faster mopeds commonly require a dedicated moped licence or another qualifying driving licence.

Helmet requirements vary between countries, but an approved protective helmet is compulsory for moped riders in many jurisdictions. Passengers may also be required to wear one.

This depends on the moped category, road speed limit and local signs. Some low-speed mopeds may be required to use cycle paths, while faster mopeds may be required or permitted to use the roadway.

Only where the vehicle is designed and legally approved to carry a passenger and the rider satisfies any minimum-age or licensing requirements.

Many countries require mopeds to be registered and display a registration plate. Requirements vary according to vehicle category and national law.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance is required for mopeds in many countries. The exact insurance requirements depend on the vehicle classification and national legislation.

Mopeds are generally prohibited from motorways and other high-speed controlled-access roads because their maximum design speed is too low and the road may specifically exclude them.

A motorcycle is a powered two-wheeled vehicle, which may also be equipped with a sidecar.

No. Traffic laws generally distinguish motorcycles from mopeds according to technical characteristics such as power, engine capacity or maximum speed.

Motorcyclists should use an approved helmet and suitable protective clothing. The exact mandatory equipment depends on the country's traffic laws.

A car is a motor vehicle primarily designed to carry a relatively small number of passengers and their luggage on roads.

No. A car is a type of motor vehicle. The broader category of motor vehicles can also include motorcycles, buses, trucks, mopeds and other powered vehicles, depending on local legal definitions.

Yes. A driver must normally hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle category concerned. The licence categories and minimum ages vary between countries.

Yes, normally. Cars used on public roads generally have to be registered with the competent authority and display the required registration plate or plates.

Most countries require at least third-party liability insurance before a car may be used on public roads. Additional insurance may be optional.

Where seat belts are fitted, drivers and passengers are generally required to wear them correctly. Exact requirements and exemptions vary between countries.

Yes, in many countries. Children below specified age, height or weight thresholds must be transported in an appropriate approved child-restraint system.

A car must not carry more people than it is designed and legally approved to transport. Passengers should use the designated seating positions and required restraint systems.

Yes, if the vehicle and licence permit it. Maximum trailer masses, combination masses and licence requirements depend on the vehicle and local regulations.

Most ordinary cars can use motorways, but they must satisfy the applicable vehicle, speed and access requirements. Certain unusually slow or restricted vehicles may be prohibited.

A truck is a motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting goods.

No. Trucks can include lighter goods vehicles as well as heavy trucks. Traffic laws often apply different rules according to the vehicle's maximum authorised mass.

Trucks may have larger blind spots, longer stopping distances and wider turning paths than smaller vehicles, so other road users should avoid remaining unnecessarily close beside or in front of them.

A bus is a motor vehicle designed to transport a relatively large number of passengers. It may be used for public transport, school transport, private services or other passenger transport.

A bus is commonly designed for frequent passenger boarding and may allow standing passengers, while a coach is generally designed for longer journeys with passengers seated. Exact legal definitions vary between countries.

Yes. Driving a vehicle designed to carry more than a specified number of passengers normally requires a dedicated bus or passenger-vehicle driving licence.

Only when the vehicle is designed and approved to carry standing passengers. Coaches and other vehicles designed exclusively for seated passengers must not be used beyond their approved passenger configuration.

Where seat belts are provided and local law requires their use, passengers must wear them correctly. Urban buses designed for standing passengers may have seating positions or operating conditions that differ from coaches.

Yes, where permitted. Bus lanes are commonly reserved for public transport buses, although local signs may also allow taxis, bicycles or other specified vehicles to use them.

No. Some countries require other drivers to give way to buses leaving designated stops, particularly in urban areas, while others apply the normal merging rules.

Yes. Passengers may be boarding, leaving or crossing the road near the bus. Reduce speed where necessary and watch carefully for pedestrians emerging from behind or in front of the vehicle.

They can. Some countries impose lower maximum speeds on buses than on passenger cars, particularly on high-speed roads. Different limits may apply to buses and coaches.

Yes, normally. Buses that satisfy the applicable construction and access requirements may use motorways, but they must obey any vehicle-specific speed limits, lane restrictions and other local rules.

Police help enforce traffic laws, manage traffic, investigate collisions and respond to dangerous situations. They may also carry out roadside checks and direct road users.

Yes. Lawful directions given by an authorised police officer must be followed. In many countries, those directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs and normal priority rules.

Slow down, follow the officer's directions and stop at a safe location as instructed. Do not make sudden movements or continue driving unless directed to do so.

Yes, where authorised by local law. A police officer controlling traffic may instruct road users to proceed even when a traffic light or sign would normally require them to stop.

Yes. Police may require drivers to provide documents such as a driving licence, vehicle registration, identification or proof of insurance according to local law.

Yes. Traffic police may conduct legally authorised alcohol and drug checks using procedures such as breath, saliva or other approved tests.

Yes. Roads or lanes may be temporarily closed or traffic diverted because of collisions, emergencies, investigations, public events or other safety concerns.

Reduce speed, remain alert and follow all directions. Do not enter a closed area or interfere with emergency personnel, and leave sufficient space for emergency vehicles.

Follow the local rules for priority vehicles. Drivers generally have to make sufficient space, give way and stop where necessary so that the emergency vehicle can pass safely.

Yes, where local law permits it. Police or another authorised authority may require a vehicle to be moved when it obstructs traffic, creates danger or must be removed for operational reasons.

An ambulance is a specially equipped vehicle used to provide emergency medical assistance and transport sick or injured people.

This depends on the local traffic rules and warning signals being used. Ambulances responding to emergencies commonly use flashing lights and a siren to indicate that other road users must make way.

Remain calm and make sufficient space for it to pass. Slow down or stop where necessary, but avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres.

Not necessarily in your exact position. Move or stop in a way that creates a safe passage without blocking an intersection, pedestrian crossing or another part of the road needed by the ambulance.

Emergency vehicles may be allowed to pass a red light during an urgent response under special legal conditions. The precise rules differ between countries, and the ambulance driver must still take appropriate precautions.

Many countries permit emergency vehicles to depart from certain normal speed rules during an urgent mission, subject to safety requirements and national legislation.

Yes, when responding to an emergency and legally permitted to do so. Other road users should create space and keep emergency corridors or access routes clear where required.

You should not use the passage created for an ambulance as a way to bypass congestion. Maintain a safe distance and continue to obey the normal traffic rules.

No. The use of warning lights and sirens depends on the urgency of the mission and local regulations. An ambulance transporting a patient does not necessarily need to use emergency signals throughout the journey.

Reduce speed and remain alert. Medical personnel, patients or other emergency workers may be entering the road, and the ambulance may need to move unexpectedly.

A pothole is a hole or depression that develops in a road surface when the pavement becomes damaged or deteriorates.

Potholes can develop through a combination of water, temperature changes, traffic loads and deterioration of the road material. Cracks can gradually expand until pieces of the surface break away.

A pothole can cause a vehicle to change direction suddenly, lose stability or suffer tyre, wheel or suspension damage. Deep potholes can present a particularly serious hazard at higher speeds.

Reduce speed when necessary, maintain control of the vehicle and avoid abrupt steering or braking. Only move around the pothole when this can be done safely without endangering other road users.

If possible, reduce your speed before reaching the pothole. Sudden heavy braking or steering while passing over a damaged surface can make the vehicle less stable.

Yes. A pothole can disturb the steering or balance of a motorcycle and may cause the rider to lose control.

Yes. Bicycle wheels can be strongly affected by deep holes or sharp edges, particularly when the cyclist has little time or space to avoid the hazard.

Yes. Severe impacts can damage tyres, wheel rims, suspension components, steering parts or wheel alignment.

No. A sudden evasive movement may create a greater danger by bringing the vehicle into conflict with cyclists, pedestrians, oncoming traffic or vehicles in another lane.

Yes. Depending on the country's traffic-sign system, an uneven-road or general-danger warning sign may be used where poor road conditions create a significant hazard.

A path is a relatively narrow route intended primarily for pedestrians and, where permitted, other road users or small vehicles.

Not necessarily. A footpath is specifically intended for pedestrians, while a path may also permit cyclists or other users according to local rules.

No. A cycle path is specifically designated for bicycles and other permitted users. An ordinary path does not automatically have that legal status.

This depends on the legal status, width and signs applying to the path. Some paths permit cyclists, while others are reserved for pedestrians or particular users.

This depends on local law. Some paths prohibit motor vehicles entirely, while narrow vehicles may be permitted on other paths unless traffic signs restrict access.

Yes. A narrow path can legally form part of the public-road network even when it is unsuitable for ordinary cars.

No. Paths can be paved, gravelled, compacted or unsurfaced depending on their location and purpose.

Yes. Signs can reserve a path for particular road users or prohibit certain vehicles, regardless of whether they could physically fit on it.

The applicable local priority rules determine who must give way. Special rules often apply when a minor path joins an ordinary road.

Yes, where both are permitted. Faster users should adapt their speed and avoid endangering or unnecessarily obstructing pedestrians.

Yes. At the crossing, users must follow the applicable priority signs, traffic lights, road markings and general right-of-way rules.

No. Its legal classification depends on the definitions and regulations of the country concerned. A narrow route might instead be a footpath, cycle path, private access road or another type of facility.