Turn prohibitionJapan
24. Turn prohibition
A turn prohibition prevents drivers from turning in the direction indicated by a traffic sign. It may prohibit a left turn, a right turn or a U-turn at an intersection or along a specified section of road.
Drivers must continue along a permitted route and follow any lane arrows or mandatory-direction signs. A turn prohibition does not itself determine priority or speed, and any exemption for cyclists, public transport or other road users must be expressly indicated.
Wikimedia.org • Taichi Hiromatsu《スペルチェック》 • CC BY-SA
What does a no-turn sign prohibit in Japan?
It prohibits the left, right or other turn shown at the junction or position controlled by the sign in Japan. Follow any supplementary panel or authorised direction and choose another legal route.
🔗 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
Does a no-left-turn sign always prohibit a U-turn in Japan?
Do not assume that a U-turn is allowed or prohibited solely from a no-left-turn sign. Separate U-turn signs and local road rules may apply, and some jurisdictions treat turning restrictions differently. Check the actual control.
🔗 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
Can a no-turn restriction apply only to certain vehicles or hours in Japan?
Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.
🔗 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
If a traffic light permits movement, can I ignore a prohibited-turn sign in Japan?
Not automatically. A green traffic signal normally authorises proceeding only in a lawful direction; an applicable no-turn restriction may still prohibit the manoeuvre. Follow any specific turn signal and authorised traffic direction.
🔗 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

Traffic rules
Japan