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QuizTraffic rulesJapan

This interesting quiz helps you test your knowledge in a clear and visual way. With easy multiple-choice questions, you can quickly build confidence and learn new facts while keeping it simple, interactive, and fun.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Japan
True/false 17 Japan 22 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 589
What should you check after fitting a wheel?

501. What should you check after fitting a wheel?

That the tyre is touching the wheel arch.
That the wheel nuts are covered by the trim.
That the jack remains partly under the vehicle.
✓ That the wheel nuts are tightened correctly.

After fitting a wheel, make sure the wheel nuts are tightened correctly using the manufacturer's specified procedure and torque. Incorrectly tightened wheel nuts can loosen or damage the wheel. Recheck them later if the vehicle or wheel manufacturer recommends it.

Checking wheel nuts after fitting a wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be especially alert for wild animals at dawn and dusk?

502. Why should you be especially alert for wild animals at dawn and dusk?

Road signs are harder for animals to recognise.
✓ Many animals are more active at these times.
Speed limits change automatically at dawn and dusk.
Animals cannot see vehicles during daylight.

Many wild animals are most active around dawn and dusk, when visibility may also be reduced.

Wild animal beside a road in low light
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle catches fire?

503. What should you do if your vehicle catches fire?

Try to move personal belongings out before leaving.
Open the bonnet fully to find where the fire started.
Stay inside the vehicle while waiting for assistance.
✓ Stop, switch off the engine, evacuate everyone, and call the emergency services.

Move everyone well away from the vehicle and call emergency services. If the fire is small and it is safe to do so, use a suitable fire extinguisher. Opening the bonnet fully can supply additional oxygen and cause the fire to intensify.

Vehicle with a fire breaking out
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Is a warning triangle required in cars in Japan?

504. Is a warning triangle required in cars in Japan?

Yes.
✓ No.

Cars in Japan are not generally required to carry a warning triangle.

Warning triangle carried as vehicle safety equipment
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should a motorcyclist do before entering a bend?

505. What should a motorcyclist do before entering a bend?

Accelerate before checking how sharp the bend is.
Move close to the centre of the road.
Look only at the road directly in front of the wheel.
✓ Reduce speed before the bend and look through it.

Adjust your speed before entering the bend so you can steer smoothly and remain within a safe position. Look through the bend towards where you want to travel and be prepared for hazards that may be hidden from view.

Motorcyclist approaching a bend
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a red warning light appears with an unusual noise?

506. What should you do if a red warning light appears with an unusual noise?

Stop only if another warning light appears.
✓ Stop safely, switch off the engine, and seek assistance.
Wait until the next service to have it checked.
Continue slowly if the vehicle still responds normally.

A red warning combined with an unusual noise may indicate a serious fault. Continuing could cause damage or loss of control.

Red dashboard warning requiring the driver's attention
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in Japan?

507. Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in Japan?

✓ Yes.
No.

Motorcycle riders in Japan are generally required to wear an approved helmet.

Motorcyclist wearing a protective helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main purpose of a motorway emergency lane or hard shoulder?

508. What is the main purpose of a motorway emergency lane or hard shoulder?

For driving when the motorway is busy.
For stopping to check directions.
✓ For emergencies and breakdowns.
For overtaking slow-moving traffic.

A motorway emergency lane or hard shoulder is primarily intended for emergencies and breakdowns, not normal driving. In some places it may be opened temporarily as a traffic lane when signs or signals specifically permit this.

Motorway hard shoulder beside the traffic lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you pass a large vehicle in strong winds?

509. How should you pass a large vehicle in strong winds?

Stay close beside it to remain sheltered from the wind.
Keep the steering fixed while you move past it.
✓ Be prepared for sudden wind changes when passing.
Use the horn before moving alongside the vehicle.

Large vehicles can block wind and then expose you to strong gusts when you pass them.

Vehicle passing a large vehicle in windy conditions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

510. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Diesel particulate filter warning.
Charging-system warning.
Engine-temperature warning.
Engine-management warning.

This symbol indicates a problem with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), often because soot has accumulated in the filter. The vehicle may require regeneration or professional inspection, depending on the vehicle and warning status.

Diesel particulate filter warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before crossing behind a bus or large vehicle?

511. What should you do before crossing behind a bus or large vehicle?

Listen for traffic and cross if you hear none.
Stay close behind the vehicle while crossing.
Cross if the nearest traffic lane appears clear.
✓ Wait until you have a clear view of the road.

Large vehicles can block your view and hide you from drivers. Wait until you can clearly see the road before crossing.

Pedestrian preparing to cross behind a bus
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does it mean to cover the brake pedal?

512. What does it mean to cover the brake pedal?

Apply the parking brake slightly.
✓ Position your right foot over the brake, ready to press it.
Press the brake and accelerator together.
Rest your foot lightly on the brake while driving.

To cover the brake, move your right foot over the brake pedal without pressing it, so you are ready to brake quickly if a hazard develops.

Right foot positioned over the brake pedal
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

513. What should you do before rejoining traffic after a breakdown?

Check your mirrors only and pull out if they look clear.
Enter the lane slowly so other traffic has time to react.
✓ Check all around, signal, and enter only when there is a safe gap.
Signal and expect approaching traffic to slow down.

Check mirrors and blind spots, signal clearly, and build up speed safely without causing approaching traffic to brake suddenly.

Vehicle preparing to rejoin traffic after a breakdown
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space behind a motorcycle?

514. Why should you leave extra space behind a motorcycle?

Motorcycles always travel more slowly than cars.
✓ Motorcycles can slow down quickly and are more vulnerable.
Motorcyclists cannot see vehicles directly behind them.
Motorcycles need less space to stop than cars.

Motorcyclists are more exposed than car drivers. Extra following distance gives you more time to react safely.

Following distance behind a motorcycle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the resume function of cruise control normally do?

515. What does the resume function of cruise control normally do?

Applies the brakes automatically.
Sets the vehicle's current speed as a new limit.
✓ Returns the vehicle to the previously set cruising speed.
Switches cruise control off completely.

The resume function normally returns the vehicle to the previously set cruise-control speed after the system has been temporarily disengaged. The driver should use it only when traffic and road conditions are suitable.

RES button for resuming the stored cruising speed
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when crossing a road with no marked crossing nearby?

516. What should you do when crossing a road with no marked crossing nearby?

Cross diagonally to spend less time in each lane.
Cross between parked vehicles if traffic seems quiet.
Cross near a bend if approaching traffic seems slow.
✓ Choose a place with a clear view in both directions.

If there is no marked crossing nearby, choose a safe place where you can clearly see approaching traffic.

Pedestrian preparing to cross a road without a marked crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should a passenger get on or off a motorcycle?

517. When should a passenger get on or off a motorcycle?

While the motorcycle is moving slowly.
Whenever the passenger feels ready.
✓ When the motorcycle is stationary and the rider is ready.
As soon as the engine has been started.

A passenger getting on or off can shift the motorcycle's balance suddenly. The motorcycle should be stationary and stable, and the passenger should wait until the rider is ready and prepared to support the extra movement.

Passenger getting onto a stationary motorcycle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep a safe following distance?

518. Why should you keep a safe following distance?

To keep traffic moving at a steady speed.
✓ To have enough time to stop.
To make overtaking easier.
To make your vehicle easier to see ahead.

A safe following distance gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.

Gap between a vehicle and the traffic ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid sudden braking when it is not necessary?

519. Why should you avoid sudden braking when it is not necessary?

It causes the tyres to lose pressure.
✓ Vehicles behind may not have time to react.
It makes the steering less responsive afterwards.
It makes the brakes less effective afterwards.

Sudden braking can surprise drivers behind you and increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Following traffic and the risk of sudden braking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if traffic beyond a railway crossing is blocked?

520. What should you do if traffic beyond a railway crossing is blocked?

Stop on the tracks if no train is visible.
Cross quickly before the warning signals activate.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely across the tracks.
✓ Wait until there is enough space to clear the tracks completely.

Never enter a railway crossing unless you can clear the tracks completely. If traffic ahead is blocked, wait before the crossing so you cannot become trapped on the railway.

Congested traffic beyond a railway crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

521. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Cabin fan speed.
✓ Cabin temperature adjustment.
Seat heating.
Air recirculation.

This control adjusts the temperature of the air supplied to the cabin. Turning it towards the blue side lowers the selected temperature, while turning it towards the red side raises it.

Control for adjusting the cabin temperature
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

522. Why should you notice the location of emergency exits in a tunnel?

They mark areas where vehicles may stop temporarily.
Pedestrians may be crossing near them.
They provide shortcuts to nearby roads.
✓ You may need to reach one quickly during an emergency.

Knowing where emergency exits and refuge areas are located can save valuable time during a fire, collision, or evacuation.

Emergency exit inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when traffic is merging from another lane?

523. What should you do when traffic is merging from another lane?

✓ Adjust your speed and leave space when safe.
Move closer to the vehicle ahead to keep your lane clear.
Move into another lane without checking around you.
Maintain your speed and expect them to merge behind you.

When traffic merges, good observation and speed control help vehicles join safely without sudden braking or conflict.

Vehicle merging from an adjacent lane
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Japan?

524. What is the general minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Japan?

1.5 mm.
2.0 mm.
✓ 1.6 mm.
1.0 mm.

The general minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Japan is 1.6 mm. Higher minimums may apply to winter tyres, during winter periods or in winter conditions.

Measuring tread depth on a vehicle tyre
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the vehicle consistently pulls to one side?

525. What should you do if the vehicle consistently pulls to one side?

Keep driving and correct the steering as needed.
Ignore it if the tyres appear normal.
✓ Check the tyre pressures and have the steering, alignment, and brakes inspected.
Increase speed to see if the vehicle straightens.

Persistent pulling can be caused by incorrect tyre pressure, wheel misalignment, suspension wear, or a braking fault. It should not be ignored.

Vehicle pulling to one side while travelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid blocking a junction?

526. Why should you avoid blocking a junction?

Vehicles in a junction lose priority.
Your stopping distance becomes longer.
Junctions may only be entered at low speed.
✓ Other traffic needs space to move safely.

Blocking a junction can prevent vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians from moving safely. Enter only when there is enough space to drive through and clear the junction.

Traffic blocking a road junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a stop sign?

527. What should you do when approaching a stop sign?

✓ Come to a complete stop before proceeding.
Slow down and stop only if traffic is approaching.
Proceed if the vehicle ahead has already stopped.
Give way without stopping if the road is clear.

A stop sign requires you to come to a complete stop at the required position. Check carefully for other road users and proceed only when it is safe.

Vehicle approaching a stop sign
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you use headlights in poor visibility?

528. Why should you use headlights in poor visibility?

To keep the windscreen clear.
To make the brakes respond faster.
✓ To see better and be seen by others.
To reduce fuel consumption.

Headlights help you see the road and make your vehicle more visible to other road users in fog, rain, darkness, or poor weather.

Vehicle using headlights in reduced visibility
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

529. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
✓ Driving mode selection.
Parking assistance.
Cruise control.

This control selects a driving mode. Depending on the vehicle, different modes can alter characteristics such as accelerator response, steering assistance, transmission behaviour or energy use.

Selector for the vehicle's driving modes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid travelling with the seatback excessively reclined?

530. Why should you avoid travelling with the seatback excessively reclined?

It can prevent the head restraint from being adjusted.
It can make the airbag deploy earlier.
It can cause the seat to slide forwards when braking.
✓ It can reduce how effectively the seat belt restrains you.

An excessively reclined seat can affect how the seat belt fits and restrains your body and may increase the risk of sliding under the lap belt in a collision. Sit in a reasonably upright position so the lap belt stays low across the hips and the shoulder belt lies correctly across the chest.

Vehicle seat with an excessively reclined backrest
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

531. What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

✓ Wait patiently and let them finish crossing.
Move forward slowly to show that you are waiting.
Pass as soon as they have cleared your part of the road.
Drive around them if there is enough room.

Some pedestrians may need more time to cross. Stay patient, keep a safe distance, and do not pressure them.

Pedestrian crossing the road slowly
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

532. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Mirror adjustment.
Electric window control.
✓ Window lock.
Child safety lock.

This control activates the window lock, which normally prevents passengers from operating their electric windows while leaving control with the driver.

Lock switch for passenger window controls
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see fallen rocks on a mountain road?

533. What should you do if you see fallen rocks on a mountain road?

Move toward the centre of the road without slowing down.
Maintain speed and drive over smaller stones.
✓ Slow down and avoid them smoothly when safe.
Stop beside the rocks to inspect the road.

Loose rocks can damage tyres, affect steering, or block part of the road. Reduce speed and avoid sudden movements. If rocks are actively falling, do not enter or stop in the danger area. Keep a safe distance and, if necessary, wait in a safe place until it is safe to continue.

Fallen rocks on a mountain road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when construction vehicles enter or leave the road?

534. What should you do when construction vehicles enter or leave the road?

✓ Slow down and be prepared for them to move across your path.
Accelerate before the vehicle reaches the road.
Use your horn so the driver waits for you.
Drive closely behind it until there is room to pass.

Construction vehicles may move slowly, have limited visibility, or carry loose material. Give them time and space to manoeuvre.

Construction vehicle entering or leaving a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you take care when parking a motorcycle on soft ground?

535. Why should you take care when parking a motorcycle on soft ground?

The engine may become difficult to start.
✓ The stand may sink into the ground and the motorcycle could fall.
The tyres may immediately lose air pressure.
The chain may become too tight.

On soft or unstable ground, the side or centre stand can sink or move, causing the motorcycle to fall. Park on a firm, stable surface or use a suitable support under the stand when necessary.

Motorcycle stand resting on soft ground
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you fasten your seat belt?

536. When should you fasten your seat belt?

After joining traffic.
✓ Before the vehicle starts moving.
Only on long journeys.
Only when driving at high speed.

Fasten your seat belt before the vehicle starts moving and keep it fastened throughout the journey. Make sure your passengers are also safely seated and properly restrained.

Fastening a seat belt before setting off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid driving too close to the edge of the road?

537. Why should you avoid driving too close to the edge of the road?

It can reduce the effectiveness of your mirrors.
✓ The edge may be uneven or weak.
It can make your speed harder to judge.
It can make oncoming traffic harder to see.

Road edges can be soft, uneven, or damaged. Driving too close to the edge can reduce control or cause the vehicle to leave the road.

Vehicle travelling close to the road edge
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You may park anywhere as long as you leave your hazard lights on.

538. You may park anywhere as long as you leave your hazard lights on.

True.
✓ False.

Hazard lights are used to warn other road users of a hazard or an unexpectedly stopped vehicle. They do not make illegal or unsafe parking acceptable.

Parked vehicle with hazard warning lights flashing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when branches or debris are blowing onto the road?

539. What should you do when branches or debris are blowing onto the road?

✓ Slow down and avoid hazards safely.
Maintain speed and steer around them when necessary.
Drive over smaller debris if it appears harmless.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely for protection.

Wind can blow unexpected obstacles onto the road. Reduce speed and avoid them safely.

Wind-blown branches and debris on a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why are reversing and making a U-turn on a motorway extremely dangerous?

540. Why are reversing and making a U-turn on a motorway extremely dangerous?

Motorway cameras may not recognise the vehicle correctly.
The speedometer may become less accurate.
✓ Other drivers approach quickly and do not expect traffic facing them.
The vehicle may use more fuel during the manoeuvre.

Motorway traffic travels at high speed. Unexpected reversing or turning can cause a severe collision.

Vehicle on a motorway hard shoulder
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should luggage be carried on a bicycle?

541. How should luggage be carried on a bicycle?

✓ Securely, without affecting steering, braking, or balance.
As high as possible to keep it away from the wheels.
On one side of the bicycle to leave the other side clear.
On one handlebar if the bag is not very heavy.

Loose or badly positioned luggage can interfere with control, become caught in the wheels, or hide bicycle lights.

Luggage carried on a bicycle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the safest way to cross the road with a child?

542. What is the safest way to cross the road with a child?

Ask them to decide when it is safe to cross.
Cross separately so everyone has more space.
Let them run once the first lane is clear.
✓ Hold their hand and keep them close.

Children can be unpredictable near traffic. Keep them close and guide them safely across the road.

Adult holding a child's hand while crossing the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which language is commonly used on text-based road signs in Japan?

543. Which language is commonly used on text-based road signs in Japan?

Chinese.
✓ Japanese.
Korean.
English.

Text-based road signs in Japan commonly use Japanese.

Road signs with Japanese wording
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to operate the direction indicators?

544. Which control is normally used to operate the direction indicators?

The headlight-level control.
The cruise-control button.
The hazard-warning button.
✓ The steering-column indicator stalk.

The direction indicators are normally operated using a stalk beside the steering wheel. Moving the stalk up or down activates the indicators on the corresponding side of the vehicle.

Steering-column stalk for the direction indicators
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a passenger normally sit on a motorcycle?

545. How should a passenger normally sit on a motorcycle?

✓ Securely on the passenger seat with both feet on the footrests.
With one foot hanging down when travelling slowly.
Standing on the footrests when the road is uneven.
Sideways so they can get off more easily.

A motorcycle passenger should sit securely on the designated passenger seat, keep both feet on the footrests and avoid sudden movements that could affect the motorcycle's balance and stability.

Passenger seated on a motorcycle with feet on the footrests
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a traffic light turns red?

546. What should you do when a traffic light turns red?

Stop only if other traffic is approaching.
Cross the stop line before stopping.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the junction.
✓ Stop and wait until you may proceed.

A red traffic light means you must stop before the stop line, pedestrian crossing, or intersection unless a sign or signal indicates otherwise.

Red traffic light at a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What shape are most warning signs in Japan?

547. What shape are most warning signs in Japan?

Circle.
✓ Diamond.
Triangle.
Rectangle.

Most warning signs in Japan are diamond-shaped.

Road warning signs and their shapes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the single-wipe position of the windscreen-wiper control do?

548. What does the single-wipe position of the windscreen-wiper control do?

Sprays washer fluid onto the windscreen.
Activates the rear wiper.
✓ Operates the windscreen wipers once.
Runs the wipers continuously.

The single-wipe position operates the windscreen wipers for one sweep and then stops. It is useful when only a small amount of water or spray needs to be cleared from the windscreen.

Single-wipe setting on the windscreen-wiper control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Using indicators helps other road users understand your intentions.

549. Using indicators helps other road users understand your intentions.

✓ True.
False.

Indicators help communicate your intended direction and improve safety for everyone on the road.

Vehicle signalling its intended direction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What makes up the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

550. What makes up the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

Reaction distance and following distance.
Tyre distance and braking distance.
Visibility distance and reaction distance.
✓ Reaction distance and braking distance.

The total stopping distance consists of the distance travelled while the driver reacts to a hazard plus the distance travelled while the vehicle is braking to a stop.

Reaction and braking distances before a vehicle stops
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA