Japan Road Rules for Visitors: What Foreign Drivers Must Know
Short answer
The Japan road rules that surprise visitors most: drive on the left, stop completely at red triangle 止まれ signs and before every railway crossing, never turn on a red light, and do not drink at all before driving. Default limits are 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways, everyone must wear a seatbelt, and children under 6 need a child seat.
The rules that differ most from home
| Rule | What to do in Japan |
|---|---|
| Side of the road | Drive on the left. The driver sits on the right. |
| Stop sign | A red inverted triangle with 止まれ (tomare). Stop completely at the line. |
| Railway crossings | Stop before every crossing, look and listen, even if the barriers are up. |
| Red light | No turning on red. Go only on green or a green arrow. |
| Alcohol | Do not drink at all before driving. |
| Speed (no sign) | 60 km/h on ordinary roads, 100 km/h on expressways |
| Seatbelts | Everyone, in every seat |
| Children | A child seat for children under 6 |
| Phones | Do not hold or look at a phone while driving |
Stop signs and railway crossings
The Japanese stop sign is a red, upside-down triangle with the word 止まれ. Stop fully behind the line, then go when it is safe. At railway crossings, every driver must stop before the tracks, look both ways and listen, then cross without stopping or changing gear. Never enter a crossing when the alarm is ringing or the barriers are moving.
Traffic lights and turns
You may only move into the junction on green, or on a green arrow in the direction shown. There is no turn on red. A turn that you started on green may finish when the light changes, but you must not block traffic that now has a green light. When you turn, pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you are entering always go first.
Alcohol: zero tolerance in practice
Japan punishes drink-driving severely. A breath alcohol level of 0.15 mg per litre or more is already a crime: up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to ¥500,000, and up to 5 years or ¥1,000,000 if you are clearly drunk. Passengers who ride with a drinking driver and people who lend the car can be punished too. Our insurance and Safety Pack do not cover drink-driving, so do not drink anything before you drive.
Speed limits
When no limit is posted, cars may drive at up to 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways. Many city roads are posted lower, often 40 or 50 km/h, and some expressway sections are posted higher. Posted signs always come first. Speed cameras are common.
Seatbelts, children and phones
Every person in the car must wear a seatbelt, in the front and in the back. Children younger than 6 must ride in a child seat. Holding a phone, or watching a screen, while driving is not allowed; set the navigation before you leave.
If something happens
After an accident, stop in a safe place, help anyone injured and call the police on 110 (ambulance and fire: 119), then call us. Always get a police report, even for a small scrape, and never agree a private settlement at the roadside: without a police report the insurance does not pay. For a breakdown, JAF Road Service (#8139) helps 24 hours a day with free interpretation.
Parking and tolls
Parking on the street is generally not allowed. Use coin parking or the car parks at sights and hotels. Expressways charge tolls, which you pay at the exit gate.
Before you travel, check that your driving licence is valid in Japan, save our emergency and driving guide on your phone, and book your car at Haneda Airport.
FAQ
Can I turn left on a red light in Japan?
No. In Japan you may only move on green or on a green arrow. A turn you started on green may be completed.
What is the speed limit on Japanese expressways?
100 km/h when no sign is posted. Some sections are posted lower or higher, and the posted sign always applies.
Is any amount of alcohol allowed when driving in Japan?
From 0.15 mg per litre of breath it is a crime, and even less can be judged unsafe driving. Do not drink at all before driving.
Do I have to stop at every railway crossing?
Yes. Stop before the tracks, look and listen, then cross, unless a signal at the crossing shows green.
Sources
Rules can change. Always check the official sources before you travel.