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Rail trackJapan

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.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Japan

96. Rail track

A rail track is a pair of rails used to guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may run alongside a road, cross it or be embedded directly in the carriageway so that rail vehicles and other road users travel through the same area.

Road users should take particular care around tracks because rail vehicles cannot steer around obstacles and require considerable distance to stop. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must follow the applicable priority rules, traffic lights, warning signs and crossing rules and must avoid unnecessarily obstructing the tracks.

Rail track
Railway tracks and signal. (Örebro, Sweden)
Wikimedia.org • Fifo • CC BY-SA
What is a track?

A track consists of rails that guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may be separated from ordinary traffic or incorporated into a road.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(n), 15, 18(7), 19 and 29; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 291–307, rail crossings and tramways; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 223, buses; national guidance example

Who has priority when a road crosses tram tracks?

The applicable priority rules vary between countries, but rail vehicles commonly receive special priority because they cannot leave their tracks. Always obey traffic lights, signs and local rules.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(n), 15, 18(7), 19 and 29; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 291–307, rail crossings and tramways; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 223, buses; national guidance example

What should you do if traffic stops while you are crossing tracks?

Do not enter a track crossing unless there is enough space to clear it completely. Never deliberately stop where a tram or train could be blocked.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1(n), 15, 18(7), 19 and 29; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 291–307, rail crossings and tramways; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 223, buses; national guidance example

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