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Q: What is the general speed limit on roads in Japan where no speed limit sign is posted?

60 km/h. Under the Road Traffic Act, the general speed limit on roads without posted signs is 60 km/h for ordinary vehicles.

Q: What is the maximum speed limit on expressways in Japan for ordinary vehicles?

100 km/h. The maximum speed limit on expressways for ordinary vehicles is 100 km/h, unless otherwise posted.

Q: What is the speed limit in a Zone 30 area in Japan?

30 km/h. Zone 30 areas have a speed limit of 30 km/h to ensure safety in residential neighborhoods.

Q: What is the legal speed limit for mopeds (原動機付自転車) on general roads in Japan?

30 km/h. Mopeds (gentsuki) have a legal speed limit of 30 km/h on general roads in Japan.

Q: When driving through a school zone during designated hours, what should you do?

Reduce speed and watch carefully for children. In school zones during designated hours, drivers must reduce speed and exercise extra caution for children.

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What is the general speed limit on roads in Japan where no speed limit sign is posted?

Japan

Driving Rules & Facts

1

Drive on the Left (左側通行) — Japan drives on the left side of the road. Overtake only on the right. At unmarked intersections, yield to vehicles coming from the left. The steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle.

2

No Turn on Red (赤信号) — Unlike many countries, there is absolutely no turning on red in any direction in Japan — neither left nor right. You may only proceed on a green arrow signal (青色矢印信号). This applies at all intersections regardless of traffic conditions.

3

Beginner Mark (初心者マーク/若葉マーク) — New drivers must display the beginner mark — a green and yellow arrow — on the front and rear of their vehicle for 1 year after obtaining their licence. Other drivers are legally required not to tailgate or cut off vehicles displaying this mark. Failure to display: ¥4,000 fine and 1 demerit point.

4

Elderly Mark (高齢者マーク) — Drivers aged 70 and over are recommended (not mandatory) to display the elderly driver mark — an orange, yellow, and green teardrop design. As with the beginner mark, other drivers should give consideration to marked vehicles.

5

BAC 0.03% — Third-Party Liability — Blood alcohol limit is 0.03% (0.15 mg/L breath). Japan uniquely holds third parties liable: the vehicle owner, the person who provided alcohol, and passengers who knew the driver was intoxicated can ALL be criminally prosecuted. Tipsy driving: ¥300,000–500,000 fine + 90-day suspension. Intoxicated driving: up to 5 years prison + ¥1,000,000 fine + licence revocation.

6

Shaken — Biennial Vehicle Inspection (車検) — All registered vehicles must pass the Shaken (車検) inspection. New cars: first inspection after 3 years, then every 2 years. Cost: ¥100,000–200,000+ depending on vehicle age and type. Driving without valid Shaken: up to 6 months imprisonment or ¥300,000 fine.

How to Get Your Driving License in Japan

Everything you need to know about enrolling in a driving school and getting your Ordinary license in Japan.

Typical Cost

¥250,000–¥350,000

Total driving school cost including lessons and materials

Prices vary by school, location, and number of lessons needed.

Typical Lessons Needed

~30

50-minute lessons on average

Mandatory Theory Hours

29h

Required classroom or online theory instruction

Mandatory Practical Hours

28h

Required behind-the-wheel training with an instructor

License Requirements in Japan

Minimum Age18 years old

Theory Exam Fee2,100 JPY (~$15)

Car License CategoryOrdinary

Driving SideLeft (drive on the left)

Learner/Provisional LicenseYes, required before driving

Accompanied DrivingNot required

Online Theory StudyClassroom only

Theory Test Languages

The NPA theory test is available in these languages:

JapaneseEnglishChinesePortugueseKoreanVietnamese

Tips for Choosing a Driving School in Japan

Compare prices from at least 3 schools before enrolling. The cheapest option is not always the best — check what is included in the package.
Ask schools about their pass rates. A higher pass rate often indicates better instruction quality.
If Japan's official language is not your first language, ask if the school offers instruction or materials in your language.

Source: National Police Agency (Prefectural Public Safety Commissions) · Last updated: 2026-03-15

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