Driving rules in Japan

Learn Japan's basic driving rules, including keeping left, seat belts, child seats, speed limits, traffic signals and expressway driving, based on official JAF and JNTO information.

Last checked:

  • Before you go
  • Driving and car rental

This page summarises basic rules published by JAF and JNTO; it is not a complete guide to traffic law. JAF also offers a multilingual edition of Rules of the Road, available for purchase at JAF branch counters. For driving eligibility, see Driving eligibility and required documents.

Key points

  • Drive on the left; drivers and cyclists keep left, while pedestrians keep right.
  • Give way to pedestrians.
  • Drink-driving is prohibited.
  • Do not use a mobile phone while driving or allow the car navigation system to distract you.
  • Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts.
  • Children under six years old must use a child seat.
  • Where no speed limit is posted: 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways (ordinary passenger cars).

Basic rules (JAF)

Item Official guidance
Side of the road Drivers and cyclists keep left; pedestrians keep right
Pedestrians Drivers must give way to pedestrians
Drink-driving Prohibited
Passengers and loads Do not exceed the permitted number of passengers or load capacity
Mobile phones and navigation Do not use a mobile phone while driving or let the car navigation system distract you
Seat belts Drivers and all passengers must wear them
Young children Children under six years old must be securely seated in a child seat
Speed limits Follow traffic signs and road markings; if none are posted, ordinary passenger cars are limited to 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways

JNTO adds that accidents are particularly likely when turning left or right, and also notes:

  • Before crossing a railway level crossing, stop at the stop line and check both directions.
  • Novice and elderly drivers must display the appropriate signs on the outside of their vehicles.
  • Winter tyres or snow chains are required when driving on snow.

Traffic lights

Summary of JAF’s official guidance:

Signal Vehicles
Green May go straight, turn left or turn right
Yellow Do not cross the stop line; if it is no longer possible to stop safely when the light changes, you may continue
Red Do not cross the stop line; vehicles already turning left or right within an intersection may continue, but vehicles turning right must not obstruct traffic coming from the green-light direction
Green arrow You may proceed in the direction of the arrow, even if the main light is yellow or red
Flashing yellow Proceed with caution after checking other traffic
Flashing red Stop at the stop line before proceeding

Expressways (JAF)

  • Accelerate fully in the acceleration lane before merging into the main road.
  • Where maximum or minimum speed limits are posted, do not exceed the maximum or travel below the minimum.
  • Do not drive on the hard shoulder.
  • Use the overtaking lane only for overtaking; otherwise stay in a regular traffic lane.
  • Some expressway stretches have no petrol stations over long distances; refuel in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use navigation on your phone while driving?

JAF states that drivers must not use mobile phones or allow navigation to distract them. Set your route while parked.

Further reading

Sources