Essential rules to know before driving in Japan
Drive on the left
Japan drives on the left, and cars are right-hand drive, as in the UK and Australia. If you are used to driving on the right, take extra care when turning at intersections.
Speed limits
Where no limit is shown by signs or road markings, the default limits are as follows. On general roads with no centre line or marked lanes (such as residential streets), the limit is 30 km/h (from 1 September 2026). On general roads with a centre line or marked lanes, or with a median separating opposing traffic, it is 60 km/h. On national expressways it is 100 km/h for ordinary passenger cars.
Stop signs (止まれ)
At a red inverted-triangle "止まれ" (stop) sign, you must come to a complete stop before the stop line. Rolling through slowly is an offence.
No drink-driving
In Japan, driving after drinking any alcohol is prohibited. Driving with 0.15 mg or more of alcohol per litre of breath (0.3 mg or more per millilitre of blood) is a criminal offence. If you have had even a little to drink, do not drive.
Seat belts and child seats
The driver and all passengers, including those in the back seats, must wear seat belts. Children under 6 must use a child seat.
Smartphones while driving
While the vehicle is moving, you must not talk on a phone you are holding, or stare at the screen of a phone or car navigation system. Hands-free calls are not covered by this rule, but you still have a duty to drive safely, and some prefectures have additional rules. Stop in a safe place before using your phone.
Bicycle offences (blue tickets)
Since 1 April 2026, people aged 16 and over who commit certain traffic offences on a bicycle receive a "blue ticket" and pay a fixed penalty. Examples: holding a phone to talk or look at the screen ¥12,000; running a red light ¥6,000. This also applies to rental and shared bicycles.
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