Traffic Laws

In Japan, drivers keep to the left-hand side of the road and pedestrians keep to the right-hand side.
Driving any vehicle (including bicycles) under the influence of alcohol is strictly punished, and offenders are subject to a fine of up to ¥1,000,000 or up to 5 years imprisonment.

J-PAC students are requested not to drive in Japan.

1. Pedestrians

When you walk on the street, you are to keep to the right-hand side. Use crosswalks when crossing the street.

2. Bicycle

Under the Road Traffic Act, bicycles are considered to be vehicles. Therefore, when you ride a bicycle, you must keep to the left-hand side of the road, and use the same road as cars, not the sidewalk, unless otherwise stated by road signs. Anyone under the age of 13 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
You should refrain from the following activities.

- -drinking and riding
- -riding together with adult passengers
- -riding without a light on after sunset
- -using a cell phone or listening to music with a headset while riding
- -using an umbrella while riding

3. Cars

All vehicles must keep to the left-hand side of the road.
Drivers must

- -possess a driver’s license valid in Japan
- -fasten their seatbelts while driving (all passengers are required to fasten their seatbelts in general)
- -yield to pedestrians especially at crosswalks
- -NOT drive while under the influence of alcohol (→Drinking & Smoking)

*Major Road Signs*