Support us

Width limitJapan

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

35. Width limit

A width limit prohibits vehicles or vehicle combinations whose total width exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other narrow passage. The width includes the vehicle’s load and any equipment or objects extending from its sides.

Drivers must know the maximum travelling width of their vehicle and load, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never enter when sufficient lateral clearance is uncertain.

Width limit
Regulatory signs at the Sugimoto Tunnel, including a width restriction. (Nagahama, Shiga, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • 運動会プロテインパワー • CC BY-SA
What does a posted vehicle-width restriction mean in Japan?

Read the actual regulatory width limit, any supplementary conditions and any separate warning of limited clearance. Check the vehicle and its load against the applicable restriction and the physical space available. A road that appears wide enough does not cancel a binding width limit.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 7–9, 17–43, 44–45 and 70: actual controls and safe circulation

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

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act

How should you check the width of a loaded vehicle in Japan?

Check the vehicle and any projecting load or equipment. The legal measurement may exclude particular fittings such as mirrors, depending on local rules, but those fittings still need physical space to pass safely. Never assume the statutory measurement guarantees sufficient real-world clearance.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 7–9, 17–43, 44–45 and 70: actual controls and safe circulation

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

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act

Can a driver ignore a width restriction if the road looks wide enough in Japan?

No. A regulatory width limit must be obeyed unless an applicable exemption or authorised arrangement permits entry. Check your route before driving a wide van, trailer or load through a narrow town, bridge or roadworks section.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 7–9, 17–43, 44–45 and 70: actual controls and safe circulation

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

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act

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 ...