1. Prohibition against Changing Course
1.1 Prohibition against Changing Course
Vehicles must not change course without due cause.
A driver must not change course when changing course would require vehicles behind to brake suddenly or steer suddenly to avoid the vehicle. When changing course is unavoidable, change after checking for safety using the rearview mirrors, the driver's own eyes, etc.
"Change course without due cause"
Refers to changing course without a legitimate reason. Changing to turn right or left or to overtake would not be considered "changing course without due cause".
The procedure to change course:
- ① Ensure safety
- ② Give a signal
- ③ Ensure safety again
- ④ Turn the steering wheel gently
- ⑤ Stop signaling
Check for safety sufficiently, signal 3 seconds before changing course, then change course gradually.
1.2 Vehicular Lanes with Yellow Lines
- When vehicular lanes are demarcated by a yellow line, a vehicle must not cross this yellow line to change lanes.
- Even when lanes are demarcated by a white line, if there is a yellow line parallel to it on the side of the vehicular lane the vehicle is proceeding in, the vehicle must not cross this yellow line to change lanes.
(The white line would have the same meaning whether it is a solid line or a broken line.)
When changing course over yellow lines is permitted:
- When moving to the left or the right side of the road to give way to emergency vehicles (Vehicles may move to the right at times on a one-way road).
- When it is not possible to proceed in the vehicular lane the vehicle was proceeding in due to roadwork, etc.
- When returning to the original vehicular lane after changing lanes because of ① or ② above.
2. Prohibition against Cutting Across the Road, Making U-turns, etc.
2.1 Prohibition When There Is a Risk of Obstructing Other Traffic
When there is a risk of obstructing the passage of pedestrians or the normal passage of other vehicles, etc., a vehicle must not cut across the road, make U-turns, reverse, or turn left, turn right, or cut across the road to enter or exit roadside places.
2.2 Prohibition According to Traffic Signs, etc.
A vehicle must not cut across the road or make a U-turn where it is prohibited by traffic signs or pavement markings.
※ A vehicle may cross to enter or exit a roadside place on the left side of the road.
Note the markings are different:
- No vehicle crossing
- No U-turn starts
- No U-turn ends
3. Prohibition against Cutting in, Crossing in Front, etc.
When a vehicle ahead is stopped or proceeding slowly at an intersection, a railroad crossing, etc., a driver must not cut in front of it or cross in front of it.
In all other situations, a driver must not suddenly cut in front of another vehicle or travel too close to another vehicle traveling beside it.
"Cutting in"
Refers to changing course into the front of a vehicle that is stopped, proceeding slowly, or overtaking, entering the lane by force. Even when only a part of a vehicle enters the lane, it is considered cutting in.
"Crossing in front"
Refers to passing beside a vehicle, etc. and then turning right or left immediately in front of the vehicle, etc.
⚠️ Aggressive driving is a crime! Never drive aggressively
"Aggressive driving" is an extremely malicious and dangerous act that can lead to serious traffic accidents. If a person commits any of the following 10 acts, which is highly likely to cause a danger to traffic on the road, for the purpose of obstructing the passage of other vehicles, etc., the violation is punishable as "obstructive (aggressive) driving".
🚫 10 Acts Classified as Aggressive Driving:
- Approaching from the opposite lane or driving in the opposite direction
- Sudden braking
- Not keeping a safe distance between vehicles
- Changing course suddenly
- Overtaking from the left or overtaking in a violent manner
- Continuous use of high beams
- Unnecessary honking
- Traveling too close to or weaving between vehicles, etc.
- Traveling at low speed
- Stopping or parking on expressway
Imprisonment not exceeding 3 to 5 years
or a fine not exceeding 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen!
Revocation of license!
※ The person who instigated the aggressive driving will also be subject to punishment.
When met with aggressive driving...
If, for example, you are followed by a dangerous driver, don't ever engage them. Drive to a safe location (with people around), stop the vehicle, and deal with the situation as follows:
- Lock the door and shut the windows.
- Promptly dial 110.
- Do not get out of the vehicle until a police officer arrives.
- Make a record of the other vehicle's number plate.
- Make good use of a dashcam, smartphone camera, etc.