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Japan Car Rental Guide - Basic Traffic Rules
To all drivers planning a self-drive trip in Japan, please be sure to read this carefully before getting on the road. Master the unique traffic rules of Japan to ensure a smooth and safe journey! When driving in Japan, the most important thing is to drive on the left! Whether you are going straight or turning, always remember to “keep left, keep left, and keep left.” Especially after turning right or left, be careful not to accidentally drive into the opposite lane!
Three Important Traffic Rules
Note 1: Oncoming Straight Traffic Has Priority
When you are about to turn right, if there is an oncoming vehicle going straight, be sure to step on the brakes and wait patiently! Only after confirming that there are no oncoming vehicles at all can you turn with peace of mind. Remember, straight traffic has absolute priority, and speeding can lead to disaster!
Note 2: Pedestrians and Left-Turning Vehicles Have Priority
In Japanese traffic laws, pedestrians and left-turning vehicles have priority. So even if you have a green light, be sure to see if there are any pedestrians or other vehicles turning.
Note 3: When There is a Green Arrow Signal Under a Red Light
Some intersections will light up a green arrow signal when the light is red, indicating that you can proceed in the direction of the arrow. However, this does not mean that everything is safe, so be careful of oncoming traffic!
