Starting September 1, the National Police Agency will lower the legal speed limit for vehicles on residential roads from the current 60 km/h to 30 km/h. This applies primarily to “roads without a center line” that are used by local residents in their daily lives.
On the other hand, the statutory speed limit of 60 km/h will remain in effect on the Chuo Line; general roads with designated vehicle lanes or where traffic in both directions is separated by a median strip; the main lanes of expressways, excluding the adjacent acceleration and deceleration lanes; and motorways.
Furthermore, on roads where a speed limit is specified by traffic signs or road markings, that specified speed becomes the maximum speed for vehicles. For example, even on a residential road with a statutory speed limit of 30 km/h, if a sign specifies 40 km/h, the maximum speed is 40 km/h. Conversely, even on a residential road where the statutory speed limit is 60 km/h, if a sign specifies 30 km/h, you must drive at 30 km/h.
These changes are intended to ensure the safety of pedestrians and others using local roads. The National Police Agency urges drivers to drive at a safe speed—taking into account road and traffic conditions, weather, and visibility—even when within the posted speed limit.
© Source travel watch