Priority signsJapan
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Additional signsPriority signs
A priority sign is a traffic sign that indicates the order in which vehicles shall pass intersection points. Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other's routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called 'right of way' or 'priority'. It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so. The vehicle that does not need to wait is said to 'have the right of way' or to 'have priority.'
What should I know about priority signs in Japan?
The STOP instruction requires stopping; indication signs can identify a priority road. These functions occur in different categories.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act
Must you always stop when giving way in Japan?
No blanket stopping duty follows from yielding alone. A Slow sign requires reduced speed, while a Stop sign requires a complete stop at the designated position. Poor visibility and the junction’s priority arrangement impose additional duties.
🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — Traffic Lights and Road Signs, official English definitions
🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — traffic instruction handbook, sign groups and road use; read with current Act
1. Give way
This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.
English • Traffic sign 330-B • Stop. Stop completely immediately before the stop line or, if none exists, immediately before the junction. Proceed without obstructing traffic on the intersecting road.
日本語 • 330-B • 一時停止。 停止線の直前で完全に停止してください。停止線がない場合は交差点の直前で停止し、交差する道路の交通を妨げないように進んでください。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Laws.e-gov.go.jp • 道路標識、区画線及び道路標示に関する命令、別表第一・第二
🔗 Mlit.go.jp • 国土交通省、道路標識一覧
🔗 Npa.go.jp • 警察庁、交通規制基準（令和8年3月16日改正）、PDF 153ページ
SVG source: Eastwind41 • Public domain • Original revision 2017-11-24. Wikimedia original unmodified.
2. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad
This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.
English • Traffic sign 201-A • Crossroads ahead. Watch crossing traffic and reduce speed to pass safely.
日本語 • 201-A • 十字形道路交差点あり。 この先に十字形の交差点があります。交差する交通に注意し、安全に通過できる速度に落としてください。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Laws.e-gov.go.jp • 道路標識、区画線及び道路標示に関する命令、別表第一・第二
🔗 Mlit.go.jp • 国土交通省、道路標識一覧
SVG source: Monaneko • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.
3. Warning for a side road from the left
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the left. A side road joins the road ahead from the left at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.
English • Traffic sign 201-B • Side road on the left. Watch traffic from the left.
日本語 • 201-B • 左側に交差道路あり。 この先で左側から道路が交差します。左側からの交通に注意してください。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Laws.e-gov.go.jp • 道路標識、区画線及び道路標示に関する命令、別表第一・第二
🔗 Mlit.go.jp • 国土交通省、道路標識一覧
SVG source: Monaneko • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.
4. Warning for a roundabout
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.
English • Traffic sign 201の2 • Roundabout ahead. Observe the junction layout and traffic, and follow local restrictions.
日本語 • 201の2 • ロータリーあり。 この先にロータリーがあります。交差点の形状や交通に注意し、現地の規制に従ってください。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Laws.e-gov.go.jp • 道路標識、区画線及び道路標示に関する命令、別表第一・第二
🔗 Mlit.go.jp • 国土交通省、道路標識一覧
SVG source: Monaneko • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.
5. Mandatory roundabout direction
This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.
English • Traffic sign 327の10 • Clockwise roundabout circulation. Travel clockwise around the circular junction.
日本語 • 327の10 • 環状の交差点における右回り通行。 環状交差点では右回り、つまり時計回りに通行してください。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Laws.e-gov.go.jp • 道路標識、区画線及び道路標示に関する命令、別表第一・第二
🔗 Mlit.go.jp • 国土交通省、道路標識一覧
🔗 Npa.go.jp • 警察庁、交通規制基準（令和8年3月16日改正）、PDF 148ページ
SVG source: Monaneko • Public domain • Original revision 2017-10-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.
