Rules of the Road in Japan for Motorcyclists
Understanding the traffic rules in Japan is crucial for staying safe—and legal—on your motorcycle adventure. Here’s everything you need to know before hitting the road.
Left-Hand Traffic: The Samurai Connection
Japan drives on the left side of the road. This isn’t just a modern rule—it has historical roots. Samurai carried their swords on their left hip, so walking or riding on the left helped avoid accidental clashes when passing each other. That tradition continues today in the form of Japan’s left-hand traffic system.
Helmet Laws in Japan
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for both riders and passengers in Japan. To be legal, your helmet must meet one of the following safety standards:
PSC mark (mandatory in Japan)
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards)
SG mark (optional but common in Japan)
ECE 22.05 / 22.06 (European standard, accepted)
DOT / Snell (is accepted, but not officially recognized)
💡 Helmets rented in Japan will meet PSC or JIS standards. If bringing your own, make sure it's certified and in good condition.
Stop signs and Intersections
Stop Signs
Full stop required—no rolling stops.
You must stop completely at the line (or before entering the intersection if no line is present).
Riders are expected to put at least one foot down to signal that they stopped properly.
After stopping, check both ways before proceeding.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Many riders treat it like a yield sign—don’t.
Approaching Intersections in Japan
About 30 meters before intersections, lane markings turn solid—this means no lane changes allowed. Choose your lane early to avoid illegal or dangerous moves.
Many intersections also have turn-only lanes, marked by arrows on the road and sometimes overhead signs. Always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Lane Discipline
Do not cross solid lines to change lanes or overtake. You may change lanes or overtake when lines are dashed.
Traffic Lights and Their Meanings in Japan
Red means stop, green means go, and yellow means caution.
No left turn on red in Japan (like you might in other countries)
One thing that often confuses first-time visitors are the green arrows next to a red light. These arrows indicates that you are allowed to proceed in the direction of the arrows, even if the main signal is red.
⚠️ Common Mistakes by Foreign Riders
Not yielding when making right turns on green—you must wait for oncoming traffic and pedestrians to clear.
Railway Crossings
Slow down, stop, and look both ways, even if the gate is open.
Failing to stop completely before crossing railway tracks is a ticketable offense, even if the gate is open.
On the Road
Common Japanese Road Signs to Know
Before hitting the road in Japan, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some essential traffic signs, especially if you're riding a motorcycle. Many signs use international symbols, but others are unique to Japan or written only in Japanese. Here is a link to the Kanagawa Prefectural Police website for a list of the type and meaning of traffic signs.
Speed Limits in Japan
Speed limits in Japan are strictly enforced and can vary depending on location, road type, and conditions. In most cases, you’ll see speed limit signs posted clearly like the one in the image.
Default Speed Limits: In case it’s not written anywhere
Urban Areas: 30–50 km/h
(Smaller roads, school zones, and residential streets are often on the lower end.)Suburban/Rural Roads: 50–60 km/h
(Watch for curves, narrow passes, and wildlife in countryside areas.)Expressways: 80–100 km/h
(Some newer sections allow up to 120 km/h, but only where clearly posted.)
Local Tip: Japan is known for having conservatively low speed limits, even on wide open roads. It’s common to see local drivers going 10–20 km/h over the posted limit but that doesn’t mean it’s legal. Best advice? Follow the flow of traffic. If everyone suddenly slows down, there’s usually a good reason—speed cameras, hidden patrol cars, or upcoming hazards.
Cell Phone Use While Riding in Japan
Using your phone as a mounted GPS on your motorcycle is currently legal in Japan but there’s a catch. It is illegal to touch your phone or look at your phone for prolonged periods of time while riding in motion.
If you need to interact with your phone come to a complete stop or pull over in a safe place.
Zero-Tolerance DUI Laws
Japan has a strict zero-tolerance policy for drinking and riding. The legal blood alcohol limit is just 0.03%, meaning even one drink could put you over. If you're caught, you could face license suspension, criminal charges, or even deportation. Simply put—don’t drink and ride.
Lane Splitting
In Japan, passing within the same lane is legal, and while the law doesn’t specifically use the term “lane splitting,” the action itself is permitted as long as it's done safely. The Road Traffic Act distinguishes between overtaking (changing lanes to pass) and passing (going around a vehicle in the same lane). In practice, especially in urban areas, it’s common to see scooters filtering up the left side at red lights or motorcycles moving between cars during traffic jams. While legal, this type of riding must still follow general safety rules—such as not crossing solid lines or riding recklessly. Police generally tolerate lane filtering unless it’s done dangerously or disrespectfully (e.g., passing next to a patrol car). As always, use discretion, ride with courtesy, and stay aware of your surroundings.
In Conclusion
Riding in Japan is more than just a journey—it's an experience of precision, courtesy, and adventure. While the rules may seem strict at first, they’re designed to protect everyone and keep Japan’s roads flowing as smoothly as its tea ceremonies.
Whether you're carving through alpine twisties, cruising coastal highways, or just city-hopping between ramen joints, knowing the local traffic laws makes your ride safer, smoother, and way less stressful.
I’ll be updating this blog regularly as rules change or as I learn more from riders like you. Have a question or curious about something not listed here? Drop a comment or message me—I'm happy to dig into it and add it to this guide.
After all, we’re all part of the same road family—wherever you're riding from.
