QuizTraffic signsJapan

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.


What does this traffic sign mean?

1. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for a steep ascent.
End of the tunnel.
✓ Warning for a steep descent.
Warning for falling rocks.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep descent. A steep downhill gradient lies ahead and the vehicle may gain speed quickly. Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and use engine braking where appropriate. Allow extra distance for heavy or towing vehicles.

What does this traffic sign mean?

2. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for a slippery road surface.
Warning for a steep descent.
✓ Warning for a double curve, first left then right.
Warning for a double curve, first right then left.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

What does this traffic sign mean?

3. What does this traffic sign mean?

Turning around mandatory (U-turn).
Turning right prohibited.
✓ Mandatory roundabout direction.
Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad.

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

4. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Warning for a sharp curve to the left.
Warning for a curve to the right.
Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad.
Driving straight ahead prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a sharp curve to the left. A tight left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within your lane and use smooth steering.

What does this traffic sign mean?

5. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for an unpaved road surface.
Dead end street.
Mandatory path for cyclists.
✓ Warning for a road narrowing.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing. The available width of the road or carriageway decreases ahead. Reduce speed, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and watch carefully for approaching or adjacent traffic.

What does this traffic sign mean?

6. What does this traffic sign mean?

Driving straight ahead prohibited.
✓ Warning for a curve to the left.
Warning for a curve to the right.
Turning left mandatory.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the left. A left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

What does this traffic sign mean?

7. What does this traffic sign mean?

Road with one-way traffic.
✓ No entry.
Access prohibited in both directions.
Parking prohibited.

This traffic sign means no entry. Drivers may not enter from the direction in which the sign is placed.

What does this traffic sign mean?

8. What does this traffic sign mean?

Children prohibited.
Mandatory path for pedestrians.
✓ Warning for children.
Crossing for pedestrians.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for children. Children may be present on or near the road and may cross unexpectedly. Reduce speed, scan both sides of the road carefully and be prepared to stop.

What does this traffic sign mean?

9. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Lane for buses.
Lane for buses and trams.
Bus stop.
Crossing bus lane.

This traffic sign indicates a lane for buses. The lane is intended for buses and any other road users permitted by the applicable signs or local rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

10. What does this traffic sign mean?

Parking and stopping prohibited.
✓ Parking allowed.
Parking only allowed if you pay.
Parking prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

11. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Start of a speed limit.
Start of a built-up area.
Start of a minimum speed.
Start of a residential area.

This traffic sign indicates the start of a speed limit. The displayed value is the maximum permitted speed from this point. The limit remains in force until it ends or is replaced according to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

12. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Motorcycles prohibited.
Mandatory path for motorcycles.
Mopeds prohibited.
Mandatory path for mopeds.

This traffic sign indicates that motorcycles are prohibited. Motorcyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

What does this traffic sign mean?

13. What does this traffic sign mean?

Passing left prohibited.
Turning left mandatory.
✓ Pass obstacle on the left.
Passing right mandatory.

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

What does this traffic sign mean?

14. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Warning for trams.
Trams prohibited.
Mandatory lane for trams.
Warning for trains.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for trams. Tram tracks cross or run along the road ahead, and trams may enter the traffic path. Reduce speed, watch carefully for approaching trams and follow the applicable traffic signals, priority signs and local rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

15. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for loose chippings on the road surface.
Warning for heavy crosswind.
✓ Warning for falling rocks.
Warning for a quayside or riverbank.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for falling rocks. Rocks or stones may fall from nearby slopes or may already be lying on the road. Reduce speed, scan the road ahead and be prepared to avoid or stop for fallen material.

What does this traffic sign mean?

16. What does this traffic sign mean?

Start of a priority road.
✓ Give way.
Give way to traffic from the right.
Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad.

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

What does this traffic sign mean?

17. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Detour for vehicles that are not allowed to pass.
Detour for all vehicles.
Dead end street.
Entry prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates a detour for vehicles that cannot continue on the normal route. Vehicles affected by the relevant restriction should follow the indicated alternative route.

What does this traffic sign mean?

18. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for cyclists.
Crossing for cyclists.
Cyclists prohibited.
✓ Lane for cyclists.

This traffic sign indicates a lane for cyclists. The lane is designated for bicycle traffic, subject to the applicable road markings, traffic signs and local rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

19. What does this traffic sign mean?

Turning right prohibited.
Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory.
✓ Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory.
Turning left mandatory.

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn right. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning left is prohibited.

What does this traffic sign mean?

20. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Motorcycles and cars prohibited.
End of the expressway.
End of the built-up area.
Mopeds and cars prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that motorcycles and cars are prohibited. Motorcycles and cars may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

What does this traffic sign mean?

21. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.
Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.
Trucks and buses prohibited.
Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles higher than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall height, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

What does this traffic sign mean?

22. What does this traffic sign mean?

Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited.
Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.
✓ Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.
Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles wider than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall width, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

What does this traffic sign mean?

23. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad.
Warning for a movable bridge.
✓ Warning for traffic lights ahead.
Crossing for pedestrians.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic lights ahead. Traffic signals are located ahead and may not be visible early enough without advance warning. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop if the signal requires it.

What does this traffic sign mean?

24. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Warning for crossing deer.
Prohibited access for animals.
Dead end street.
Warning for a soft verge.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for crossing deer. Deer or other wild animals may enter the road unexpectedly, especially around dawn or dusk. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared for more than one animal to cross.

What does this traffic sign mean?

25. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Warning for curves.
Turning right and left mandatory.
Warning for a curve to the left.
Warning for a U-turn.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a series of curves. One or more changes in direction lie ahead and may occur in quick succession. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

What does this traffic sign mean?

26. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.
Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.
Trucks prohibited.
Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles heavier than indicated are prohibited. Vehicles or vehicle combinations exceeding the displayed mass limit may not continue beyond the sign. The legally relevant mass is determined by the applicable local rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

27. What does this traffic sign mean?

Overtaking allowed.
Parking prohibited.
✓ Overtaking prohibited.
Warning for two-way traffic.

This traffic sign indicates that overtaking is prohibited. The vehicles covered by the prohibition and any categories that may still be overtaken depend on the applicable local rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

28. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for traffic lights.
Give way.
Warning for a traffic bump.
✓ Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

29. What does this traffic sign mean?

End of a lane.
✓ Overview of the lanes and their direction.
Overview of temporary lanes.
Start of a new lane.

This traffic sign gives an overview of the lanes and their direction. The arrows or other indications show how the lanes continue and which directions or destinations they serve.

What does this traffic sign mean?

30. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Access prohibited in both directions.
Motor vehicles prohibited.
No entry.
Parking prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that drivers may not enter the road from either direction.

What does this traffic sign mean?

31. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for trams.
Entry prohibited.
Start of a motorway.
✓ Warning for a railway crossing without barriers.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing without barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing where railway tracks cross the road and no barriers or gates are present to stop traffic. Drivers should slow down and look both ways for trains.

What does this traffic sign mean?

32. What does this traffic sign mean?

Dip in the road.
✓ Warning for a bad road surface.
Warning for a quayside or riverbank.
Warning for a soft verge.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a bad or uneven road surface. Potholes, bumps, depressions or other surface irregularities may affect vehicle stability and braking. Reduce speed and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

What does this traffic sign mean?

33. What does this traffic sign mean?

Road with one-way traffic.
Entry prohibited.
Turning left prohibited.
✓ Turning around prohibited (U-turn).

This traffic sign indicates that turning around (making a U-turn) is prohibited. A U-turn may not be made where the prohibition applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

What does this traffic sign mean?

34. What does this traffic sign mean?

Give way.
Driving straight ahead mandatory.
✓ Warning for a side road merging with the main road.
Start of a priority road.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road merging with the main road. Traffic from a side road joins the traffic flow ahead. Stay alert, maintain a safe gap and adjust your speed when necessary to allow traffic to merge safely.

What does this traffic sign mean?

35. What does this traffic sign mean?

Parking and stopping prohibited.
Parking allowed.
Road with one-way traffic.
✓ Parking prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that parking is prohibited. Vehicles may not be parked in the area covered by the sign unless an exception applies. Brief stopping to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods may still be permitted where local rules allow it.

What does this traffic sign mean?

36. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Warning for a side road from the left.
Warning for a curve to the left.
Warning for a narrowing.
Warning for an obstacle, pass left.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the left. A side road joins the road ahead from the left at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

37. What does this traffic sign mean?

Mandatory path for cyclists.
Crossing for pedestrians.
Crossing for cyclists.
✓ Cyclists prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that cyclists are prohibited. Cyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

What does this traffic sign mean?

38. What does this traffic sign mean?

Start of a tunnel.
Warning for traffic lights.
✓ Warning for a railway crossing with one track.
Warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with one track. It alerts drivers to a level crossing where a single railway track crosses the road. Drivers should approach with caution and be prepared to stop, even if no barriers or warning lights are active.

What does this traffic sign mean?

39. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for snow.
✓ Warning for a slippery road surface.
Warning for accidents.
Warning for a double curve, first left then right.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a slippery road surface. The road ahead may provide reduced tyre grip because of water, ice, mud, oil or another surface condition. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

What does this traffic sign mean?

40. What does this traffic sign mean?

End of mandatory path for pedestrians.
Crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.
Pedestrians and cyclists prohibited.
✓ Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.

What does this traffic sign mean?

41. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Warning for a road with two-way traffic.
Warning for roadworks.
Warning for a road with one-way traffic.
Warning for a railway crossing.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for two-way traffic. Oncoming traffic will use the same road or carriageway ahead. Keep to the correct side of the road and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

What does this traffic sign mean?

42. What does this traffic sign mean?

Cars prohibited.
Cyclists prohibited.
Crossing for cyclists.
✓ Mandatory path for cyclists.

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

What does this traffic sign mean?

43. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Driving straight ahead mandatory.
Start of a priority road.
Overtaking prohibited.
Stopping prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.

What does this traffic sign mean?

44. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Turning right mandatory.
Turning right prohibited.
Warning for a curve to the left.
Turning left mandatory.

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.

What does this traffic sign mean?

45. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for a road with two-way traffic.
Mandatory path for cars.
Dead end street.
✓ Warning for a road narrowing on the left.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the left. The available road width decreases from the left side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

What does this traffic sign mean?

46. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for a steep descent.
Parking and stopping prohibited.
✓ Warning for a steep ascent.
Warning for a movable bridge.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep ascent. A steep uphill gradient lies ahead and may cause heavy or low-powered vehicles to lose speed. Select a suitable gear, maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for slower traffic.

What does this traffic sign mean?

47. What does this traffic sign mean?

Turning left mandatory.
No entry.
✓ Road with one-way traffic.
Road with two-way traffic.

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Drivers may travel only in the permitted direction.

What does this traffic sign mean?

48. What does this traffic sign mean?

Start of an advisory speed limit.
Warning for a weight restriction.
Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited.
✓ Start of a minimum speed.

This traffic sign indicates the start of a minimum speed. Road users covered by the sign must travel at or above the indicated speed when conditions allow. Driving more slowly may still be necessary because of traffic, weather, road conditions or another safety-related reason.

What does this traffic sign mean?

49. What does this traffic sign mean?

Warning for low-flying aircraft.
Warning for a quayside or riverbank.
✓ Warning for strong crosswinds.
Start of a tunnel.

This traffic sign indicates a warning for strong crosswinds. Side winds may suddenly affect vehicle stability and steering. Reduce speed, keep a firm but controlled grip on the steering wheel and take extra care with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and trailers.

What does this traffic sign mean?

50. What does this traffic sign mean?

✓ Parking and stopping prohibited.
Parking prohibited.
Pedestrians and cyclists prohibited.
Entry prohibited.

This traffic sign indicates that parking and stopping are prohibited. Vehicles may not stop or park voluntarily where the restriction applies, except where an applicable rule provides an exemption or stopping is required by traffic conditions.