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QuizTraffic rulesJapan

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of Japan.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

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 avoid if your vehicle loses grip on a wet road?

251. What should you avoid if your vehicle loses grip on a wet road?

Holding the steering wheel firmly.
Easing off the accelerator gradually.
✓ Sudden braking or sharp steering.
Looking ahead and staying alert.

Abrupt inputs can upset the vehicle further. Smooth control gives the tyres a better chance to regain grip.

Vehicle losing grip on a wet road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

252. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
Engine-management warning.
Anti-theft system.
✓ Automatic start-stop system.

This symbol relates to the automatic start-stop system, which can switch the engine off temporarily while the vehicle is stationary and restart it when driving resumes. The exact colour and appearance may vary between vehicles.

Automatic start-stop system symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a tunnel?

253. What should you do when approaching a tunnel?

Switch on the hazard lights before entering.
Increase speed to spend less time inside.
✓ Use the correct lights and keep a safe distance.
Drive closer to the vehicle ahead for guidance.

When entering a tunnel, use the correct lights, keep enough distance, and stay alert for slower traffic.

Vehicle approaching a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an unusual vibration develops in the steering wheel?

254. What should you do if an unusual vibration develops in the steering wheel?

Increase speed until the vibration becomes less noticeable.
Hold the steering wheel more tightly and continue.
✓ Reduce speed and have the tyres, wheels, and steering checked.
Keep driving if the vehicle still steers normally.

An unusual vibration may indicate tyre damage, wheel imbalance, loose components, or another mechanical fault. Reduce speed and arrange an inspection.

Driver experiencing vibration through the steering wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you check for motorcyclists before changing lanes?

255. Why should you check for motorcyclists before changing lanes?

Motorcycles always travel faster than other traffic.
✓ Motorcycles can be harder to see and may be in your blind spot.
Motorcyclists must stop when a car changes lanes.
Motorcycles need more road space than cars.

Motorcyclists are smaller and can be hidden in blind spots. Check mirrors, signal, and look carefully before changing lanes.

Motorcycle near a vehicle preparing to change lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid using air recirculation for too long in damp conditions?

256. Why should you avoid using air recirculation for too long in damp conditions?

✓ It can cause the windows to mist.
It can reduce tyre pressure.
It can switch off the air conditioning.
It can overheat the engine.

Using air recirculation for too long in damp conditions can allow moisture to build up inside the vehicle and increase window misting, especially when the air conditioning is not dehumidifying the air. Switching to fresh outside air can help clear condensation.

Air-recirculation setting and misted vehicle windows
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see smoke or fire inside a tunnel?

257. What should you do if you see smoke or fire inside a tunnel?

Keep driving normally unless the tunnel is completely blocked.
Stop near the fire so you can assess the situation.
✓ Follow tunnel instructions and leave the tunnel if it is safe to do so.
Stay inside the vehicle and wait for the smoke to clear.

If it is safe to drive out of the tunnel, do so. If you cannot continue safely, stop, switch off the engine, leave the vehicle, and use the marked emergency exits or refuge routes. Follow tunnel-control instructions.

Smoke inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a gear does not engage easily in a manual vehicle?

258. What should you do if a gear does not engage easily in a manual vehicle?

✓ Avoid forcing the gear lever.
Press the accelerator fully.
Release the clutch suddenly.
Push the lever harder until the gear engages.

If a gear does not engage easily, do not force the gear lever. Make sure the clutch is fully pressed and the vehicle's speed is suitable for the gear before trying again.

Operating a manual gear lever without forcing it
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

259. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
✓ A general warning requiring attention.
An engine-management fault.
A brake-system fault.

This is a general or master warning symbol. It indicates that the vehicle has detected a condition requiring attention and is often accompanied by a message or another warning on the instrument display.

General warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you use rear fog lights?

260. When should you use rear fog lights?

When driving on an unlit road.
✓ When visibility is seriously reduced by fog or similar conditions.
When visibility is slightly reduced.
When driving on high-speed roads at night.

Rear fog lights are very bright and should only be used when visibility is poor enough to require them.

Rear fog lights used in severely reduced visibility
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of the seat-belt retractor?

261. What is the purpose of the seat-belt retractor?

To adjust the seat height.
To release the seat belt from the buckle.
✓ To take up slack and lock the belt when necessary.
To tighten the parking brake.

The seat-belt retractor takes up slack and helps keep the belt properly positioned against the body. It allows normal movement but can lock during sudden braking, rapid belt movement or a collision.

Seat-belt webbing and retracting mechanism
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you adjust the seat and mirrors correctly before driving?

262. Why should you adjust the seat and mirrors correctly before driving?

To make blind spots disappear completely.
✓ To maintain good control and a clear view around the vehicle.
To make the steering and pedals easier to operate.
To improve the grip of the tyres.

A correct driving position helps you operate the pedals and steering comfortably and maintain proper control. Correctly adjusted mirrors improve your view around the vehicle and help reduce blind spots. Adjust both before starting your journey.

Adjusting the driving position and mirrors before a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you obey traffic signs?

263. Why should you obey traffic signs?

To avoid checking for other road users.
To make sure you always have priority.
✓ To improve safety for everyone.
To make other drivers responsible for your safety.

Traffic signs help organise traffic and improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Traffic signs using Vienna-style designs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does turning a traditional ignition switch to OFF normally do?

264. What does turning a traditional ignition switch to OFF normally do?

Operates the starter motor.
Selects accessory power.
✓ Switches off the engine and ignition systems.
Releases the parking brake.

Turning a traditional ignition switch to OFF switches off the engine and ignition systems. The key can then normally be moved to the LOCK position and removed.

OFF position on a traditional ignition switch
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

265. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Exterior mirror adjustment.
Central door locking.
Mirror folding.
Electric window control.

This control adjusts the vehicle's exterior mirrors. The driver normally selects the left or right mirror and then moves the control to change its angle.

Control for adjusting the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of heated door mirrors?

266. What is the purpose of heated door mirrors?

✓ To clear mist or ice from the mirror glass.
To adjust the mirror angle.
To fold the mirrors automatically.
To improve the headlights.

Heated door mirrors warm the mirror glass to help clear mist, condensation, or light ice and improve rearward visibility. On some vehicles, they operate together with the rear-window demister.

Heated door-mirror control and demisting function
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not overtake near the top of a hill?

267. Why should you not overtake near the top of a hill?

Speed limits always decrease near hill crests.
✓ You may not see oncoming traffic or hidden hazards.
Hilltops usually have a slippery road surface.
Your engine loses power near the top of a hill.

Near the top of a hill, your view ahead is limited. Oncoming vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, or obstacles may be hidden.

Hill crest hiding the road ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a large animal suddenly enters your path?

268. What should you do if a large animal suddenly enters your path?

✓ Brake firmly while keeping control of the vehicle.
Turn suddenly toward the roadside.
Release the steering wheel and brake hard.
Swerve sharply into another lane.

If a large animal enters the road, brake firmly while keeping the vehicle under control. Avoid sudden swerving, as this can cause you to lose control or collide with other traffic.

Large animal entering a vehicle's path
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day?

269. Why should you never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle on a warm day?

The tyres may lose pressure while the vehicle is parked.
The alarm system may activate unexpectedly.
The windows may become difficult to open.
✓ The interior can heat up quickly and cause serious heat illness.

The inside of a parked vehicle can heat up rapidly, even when the outside temperature does not feel extreme. Children and animals are particularly vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Leaving a window partly open does not make the vehicle safe.

Parked vehicle and the danger of interior heat
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a motorcyclist cross tram or railway rails?

270. How should a motorcyclist cross tram or railway rails?

While braking firmly on the rails.
✓ At a safe angle, as close to perpendicular as practical.
By accelerating hard as the front wheel reaches the rail.
At a very shallow angle alongside the rails.

Rails can be slippery and can catch a motorcycle tyre, especially when wet. Cross them at a sufficiently large angle, as close to perpendicular as practical, and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering while crossing.

Motorcycle crossing rails in the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if strong winds push your vehicle sideways?

271. What should you do if strong winds push your vehicle sideways?

✓ Keep calm and steer smoothly to maintain your lane.
Release the steering wheel briefly and let the vehicle settle.
Brake hard immediately to stop the vehicle moving sideways.
Turn sharply against the direction of the wind.

Strong winds can push your vehicle off course, especially at higher speeds. Reduce speed and use smooth steering to stay in control.

Crosswind affecting a vehicle's road position
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you approach slow-moving farm machinery?

272. What should you do if you approach slow-moving farm machinery?

✓ Keep a safe distance and overtake only when safe.
Use your horn so the driver moves aside.
Overtake even if the vehicle is signalling to turn.
Overtake as soon as the road becomes slightly wider.

Farm machinery may be wide, slow, or turn unexpectedly. Keep distance and only overtake when you have a clear view and enough space.

Vehicle approaching slow-moving farm machinery
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be extra careful at night?

273. Why should you be extra careful at night?

✓ Visibility is reduced.
Vehicles need more distance to accelerate.
Road markings become less important.
Road surfaces are usually more slippery.

At night, it is harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, road markings, and hazards. Reduce speed and use the correct lights.

Road traffic in reduced night-time visibility
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if visibility is reduced by fog?

274. What should you do if visibility is reduced by fog?

Maintain normal speed if the road markings are visible.
✓ Slow down and use the correct lights.
Use hazard lights instead of normal headlights.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely as a guide.

Fog makes it harder to see and be seen. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use the correct lights.

Fog reducing visibility on a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you take regular breaks during a long journey?

275. Why should you take regular breaks during a long journey?

To reduce tyre pressure.
✓ To help prevent fatigue and maintain concentration.
To improve fuel quality.
To allow the engine to cool down.

Regular breaks during a long journey help reduce fatigue and maintain concentration. Do not wait until you are struggling to stay awake before stopping to rest.

Driver resting during a long journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which distance unit is used on road signs in Japan?

276. Which distance unit is used on road signs in Japan?

✓ Kilometres.
Miles.

Road distances in Japan are normally shown in kilometres.

Distance units used on road signs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What may happen to the steering when the ignition key is removed?

277. What may happen to the steering when the ignition key is removed?

✓ The steering lock may engage.
The wheels automatically straighten.
The steering becomes lighter.
The power steering remains fully active.

On vehicles fitted with a steering lock, removing the ignition key may allow the steering lock to engage. Never remove the key while the vehicle is moving.

Ignition key and vehicle steering lock
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

278. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

The parking brake is applied.
✓ A door is open.
The anti-theft system is active.
The airbag system has a fault.

This symbol indicates that one or more vehicle doors are not fully closed. Check that all doors are securely shut before driving.

Door-open warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

279. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Service or maintenance required.
Brake-system warning.
Engine-management warning.
Power-steering warning.

This symbol indicates that the vehicle requires servicing or maintenance. The exact meaning and required maintenance can vary between vehicles, so check the vehicle information display or owner's manual.

Service reminder symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

280. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Low windscreen washer fluid.
Low coolant level.
Windscreen demister active.
Engine-temperature warning.

This symbol indicates that the windscreen washer fluid level is low. Refill the washer-fluid reservoir with suitable fluid when possible.

Low washer-fluid warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a motorcycle helmet visor is badly scratched?

281. What should you do if a motorcycle helmet visor is badly scratched?

Ride with the visor raised.
Keep using it if the weather is dry.
✓ Replace it before riding.
Use it only during daylight.

A badly scratched or damaged visor can reduce or distort your view, especially in bright sunlight or at night. Replace a visor that no longer provides a clear, safe view and follow the helmet manufacturer's instructions.

Scratched visor on a motorcycle helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you never reverse or make a U-turn inside a tunnel unless directed?

282. Why should you never reverse or make a U-turn inside a tunnel unless directed?

Reversing can interfere with the tunnel lighting.
The tunnel may be too narrow for the vehicle to turn.
✓ It can cause a serious collision with approaching traffic.
Tunnel ventilation works only in the normal direction of travel.

Other drivers may not expect a vehicle to reverse or turn around. Only change direction when instructed by police or tunnel staff.

Vehicle manoeuvring inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which side do people drive on in Japan?

283. Which side do people drive on in Japan?

Right-hand side.
✓ Left-hand side.

Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road in Japan.

Road traffic and the designated driving side
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

284. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Low engine coolant level.
Engine overheating.
Low tyre pressure.
Low engine oil.

This symbol indicates that the engine coolant level is low. Check the coolant level when the engine is cool and refill it with the correct coolant if necessary.

Low coolant-level warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a temporary lane closure?

285. What should you do when approaching a temporary lane closure?

✓ Follow the temporary signs and merge safely when required.
Reverse back the way you came.
Follow construction vehicles through the closed lane.
Ignore the temporary signs if your lane is still open.

Observe the temporary signs, adjust your speed, and merge safely according to the traffic situation and local rules.

Temporary traffic-lane closure ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do at a railway crossing when the barriers are closing?

286. What should you do at a railway crossing when the barriers are closing?

Cross quickly if you cannot see a train.
Stop only when the barriers are fully lowered.
✓ Stop and wait until the barriers are completely open.
Continue if the barriers are not fully closed.

Never enter a railway crossing when barriers are closing or warning signals are active. Stop and wait until it is safe.

Barriers closing at a railway crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a bicycle helmet fit?

287. How should a bicycle helmet fit?

Tilted back to keep your forehead clear.
Loose enough to move slightly on your head.
✓ Level, secure, and comfortably fitted.
High on the head with the straps loose.

A helmet should sit level on the head and remain securely in place so it can provide effective protection.

Bicycle helmet positioned securely on the rider's head
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if spray from other vehicles makes it hard to see?

288. What should you do if spray from other vehicles makes it hard to see?

✓ Slow down and increase following distance.
Move closer to the vehicle ahead for guidance.
Change lanes immediately to find a clearer view.
Speed up to move out of the spray more quickly.

Spray can seriously reduce visibility. Slowing down and increasing your distance gives you more time and a clearer view.

Road spray from a vehicle ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you make sure drivers have seen you before crossing?

289. Why should you make sure drivers have seen you before crossing?

✓ To reduce the risk of stepping into their path.
A driver who sees you can always stop in time.
Making eye contact gives you priority.
Eye contact means the driver must stop for you.

Before crossing, make sure approaching drivers have noticed you and that it is safe to proceed. Do not assume that a driver will stop simply because you have seen each other.

Pedestrian checking whether an approaching driver has seen them
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

290. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Engine-temperature warning.
Engine-management warning.
Low washer fluid.
Oil-pressure warning.

This symbol indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high. If it illuminates while driving, stop safely and allow the engine to cool before investigating the cause.

Engine-temperature warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you are approaching an animal-drawn vehicle?

291. What should you do if you are approaching an animal-drawn vehicle?

Sound your horn so the driver notices you.
✓ Slow down and pass carefully with plenty of space.
Overtake quickly before the animal changes direction.
Drive close behind until there is room to pass.

Animals can be startled by noise or sudden movement. Reduce speed, keep distance, and pass only when it is safe.

Vehicle approaching an animal-drawn vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the head restraint be adjusted correctly?

292. Why should the head restraint be adjusted correctly?

To support the lower back.
✓ To reduce the risk of neck injury in a collision.
To make the seat belt tighter.
To improve rear visibility.

A correctly adjusted head restraint helps support the head and can reduce the risk of neck injury, especially in a rear-end collision. The top of the restraint should normally be level with the top of the head.

Adjusting a vehicle seat's head restraint
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are bicycle lights required at night in Japan?

293. Are bicycle lights required at night in Japan?

✓ Yes.
No.

Cyclists in Japan are generally required to use bicycle lights at night.

Bicycle lights used at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a motorcycle journey?

294. What should you check before starting a motorcycle journey?

Only the tyres if the journey is long.
Only the fuel level and mirrors.
✓ Tyres, brakes, lights, steering, and controls.
Nothing if the motorcycle was recently serviced.

Before riding, carry out a basic safety check. Check the tyres, brakes, lights, steering and controls, and inspect the drive chain, belt or other drive components where applicable. Finding a problem before setting off can prevent a breakdown or loss of control.

Checking a motorcycle before a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you are dazzled by low sun?

295. What should you do if you are dazzled by low sun?

✓ Slow down and use the sun visor if needed.
Maintain your speed if you can still see the road markings.
Look only at the road immediately in front of you.
Increase speed to get through the glare more quickly.

Low sun can greatly reduce visibility. Slow down, increase your safety margin, and use the sun visor or sunglasses if needed.

Low sunlight dazzling a driver
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is aquaplaning?

296. What is aquaplaning?

When wet brakes become too hot to work properly.
When steering becomes heavier on a dry road.
✓ When tyres ride on a layer of water and lose contact with the road.
When water enters the engine and causes it to stop.

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyres and the road, causing a loss of grip and control. The risk increases at higher speeds.

Water separating a tyre from the road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a manual vehicle?

297. What should you check before starting a manual vehicle?

That the parking brake is released.
✓ That the gearbox is in neutral and the clutch is pressed.
That first gear is selected and the accelerator is pressed.
That reverse gear is selected.

Before starting a manual vehicle, make sure the gearbox is in neutral and press the clutch pedal. This helps prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly when the engine starts.

Clutch and gear checks before starting a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the best place to cross the road?

298. What is the best place to cross the road?

At a junction without checking for turning traffic.
Between parked vehicles if traffic appears quiet.
Near a bend if approaching traffic seems slow.
✓ At a designated crossing.

Use a designated crossing whenever possible. It is usually the safest place to cross the road.

Designated crossing for pedestrians
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a friend who has been drinking wants to drive?

299. What should you do if a friend who has been drinking wants to drive?

✓ Encourage them not to drive and arrange safe transport.
Let them drive slowly on quiet roads.
Give them coffee and wait a short while.
Let them drive if they say they feel sober.

Preventing an impaired person from driving can protect them, their passengers, and other road users. Arrange a sober driver, taxi, public transport, or accommodation.

Friends discussing safe transport after drinking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights?

300. Which control is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights?

The dashboard brightness control.
The windscreen-wiper stalk.
✓ The lighting stalk.
The hazard warning switch.

The lighting stalk is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights. The exact movement varies between vehicles, so check the vehicle controls before driving.

Lighting stalk for switching between dipped and main beam
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA