Four types of traffic signs used on Japanese roads: regulatory, mandatory, warning, and guide signs.
Overview
Japanese Traffic Signs
Japanese traffic signs are essential traffic facilities installed under the Road Act and Road Traffic Act to regulate and instruct road users on traffic methods, warn of dangers, and guide to destinations. Regulatory and mandatory signs are installed and managed by prefectural public safety commissions, while warning and guide signs are managed by road administrators (national government, prefectures, and municipalities). Each color and shape has specific meanings designed for intuitive understanding by drivers and pedestrians.
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| code | slug | name | description | color | examples | manager | shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | regulatory-signs | Regulatory Signs | Signs that regulate traffic methods and parking/stopping for vehicles and pedestrians. | Red, Blue, White | ["No Entry","One Way","Speed Limit","No Parking","No U-turn","Road Closed"] | Prefectural Public Safety Commission | Circular, Inverted triangle |
| 2 | mandatory-signs | Mandatory Signs | Signs indicating permitted traffic methods and locations designated under the Road Traffic Act. | Blue, White | ["Crosswalk","Parking Permitted","Regulation Ahead","Center Line","Straight Ahead Only","Bicycles Only"] | Prefectural Public Safety Commission | Square, Pentagon |
| 3 | warning-signs | Warning Signs | Signs that warn of road hazards and situations requiring attention in advance to promote safe driving. | Yellow, Orange, Black | ["Crossroad","Right Curve","School Zone","Lane Ends","Curve","Falling Rocks","Traffic Signal Ahead"] | Road Administrator (National Gov., Prefectures, Municipalities) | Diamond shape |
| 4 | guide-signs | Guide Signs | Signs that guide to destinations, directions, distances, and route numbers. | Blue, Green, Brown, White | ["Direction","National Route Number","Prefectural Route Number","Expressway Entrance","Parking","Prefectural Border","Service Area"] | Road Administrator (National Gov., Prefectures, Municipalities) | Rectangular |