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Uncontrolled crossroadJapan

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

56. Uncontrolled crossroad

An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where traffic priority is not specifically regulated by traffic lights, an authorised person or signs assigning priority to particular approaches. Drivers must therefore determine who has priority using the default traffic rules that apply in that country.

The applicable rule varies between countries and may include priority from the right, priority from the left or another default right-of-way rule. Drivers should approach an uncontrolled crossroad carefully, observe traffic from every direction and never assume that a wider or busier road automatically has priority.

Uncontrolled crossroad
Crossroad warning sign in Kusatsu on the Tōkaidō. (Shiga, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • 運動会プロテインパワー • CC BY-SA
Does Japan use priority from the right at an unsigned intersection?

No. Article 36 of Japan’s Road Traffic Act generally requires drivers at an uncontrolled intersection to avoid obstructing a vehicle approaching from the left, unless a road-priority exception applies. This is an important contrast with much of continental Europe.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Article 36

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

What if the intersecting road is obviously wider or is designated a priority road in Japan?

The vehicle on the narrower or non-priority road must give way to traffic on the priority or clearly wider road. Do not apply the left-side default without checking these exceptions and any traffic signs.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Article 36

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

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