DangersJapan

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Japan. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


64. Dangers

A general danger warning sign warns road users of a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign. The particular danger may be explained by a supplementary panel, text, symbol or other indication placed with the warning sign.

Drivers should increase their attention, observe the road ahead and adapt their speed to the nature of the hazard and surrounding conditions. The exact appearance of the sign and the way the danger is identified vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Dangers
Warning for a step, height difference (Nagoya, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • 円周率3パーセント • CC BY-SA
What does a general danger warning sign mean?

A general danger warning sign indicates that there is a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign in the local traffic-sign system.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.32, other dangers; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13; international framework subject to national law

Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign. Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign.

What should you do when you see a general danger warning sign?

Increase your attention, observe the road and surroundings carefully and adapt your speed where necessary so that you can respond safely to the hazard.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.32, other dangers; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13; international framework subject to national law

Does the sign impose a specific speed limit?

Not normally. A warning sign alerts road users to danger rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be provided where a specific maximum speed is required.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.32, other dangers; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13; international framework subject to national law

1 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...