Pedestrian crossingJapan
Traffic rules
Japan
21. Pedestrian crossing
A pedestrian crossing is a designated place where pedestrians may cross a road. It is commonly indicated by road markings, traffic signs, signals or a combination of these measures.
Drivers must approach with appropriate caution and give way when required by local law. Pedestrians must also observe approaching traffic and follow any pedestrian signals or instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
Wikimedia.org • そらみみ • CC BY-SA
When must drivers give way at a pedestrian crossing in Japan?
If someone is crossing or about to cross a designated crosswalk, stop and give way. The Japanese National Police Agency emphasises pedestrian priority.
🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, pedestrian crossings
Are all pedestrian crossings controlled the same way in Japan?
No. Follow the applicable traffic lights at controlled crossings. A green vehicle signal does not allow you to obstruct pedestrians crossing in your path, particularly when turning. At a designated crossing where pedestrians are crossing or about to cross, stop and give way as required.
🔗 npa.go.jp • Japan, National Police Agency, Traffic Lights and Road Signs; 🔗 npa.go.jp • Japan, National Police Agency, Pedestrians First at Road Crossings
May I enter a pedestrian crossing if the road beyond it is blocked in Japan?
Do not enter if traffic ahead would leave you stopped on the crossing. If a vehicle is stopped at or immediately before a crossing where pedestrians may cross, stop before passing it and continue only when safe and lawful. Overtaking is also restricted on the crossing and within 30 metres before it.
🔗 npa.go.jp • Japan, National Police Agency, Pedestrians First at Road Crossings; 🔗 japaneselawtranslation.go.jp • Japan, Ministry of Justice, Road Traffic Act, English translation through Act 76/2015
What should I do if a pedestrian is still crossing when the traffic signal changes in Japan?
Allow the pedestrian to finish crossing safely. A green vehicle signal is not permission to drive into someone who is still in the crossing; watch particularly for pedestrians obscured by turning or queued vehicles.
🔗 npa.go.jp • Japanese National Police Agency, pedestrian crossings
Must Japanese pedestrians use a nearby crossing or signal-controlled junction?
Yes. National Police Agency guidance directs pedestrians to cross there.
What does Japanese police guidance advise about nearby pedestrian footbridges and underpasses?
Use them whenever possible.
May Japanese pedestrians cross where a sign prohibits pedestrian crossing?
No. Follow the no-crossing sign.
What do white rhombus markings warn Japanese drivers about?
A pedestrian crossing or bicycle crossing lane ahead.
Should Japanese pedestrians walk through a bicycle crossing lane?
National Police Agency guidance says pedestrians should refrain from entering bicycle crossing lanes.
How far before a Japanese pedestrian crossing does the overtaking prohibition extend?
Thirty metres before it, as well as on it. NPA guidance also applies this restriction at bicycle crossing lanes.
