Rules ›
Stop signs and stop lines
The check asks where and how to stop at a stop sign, a stop line or a flashing red light. In Japan 止まれ means a real stop at the line, not a slow roll.
Key rules
- At an intersection without signals, where a sign says 一時停止 (止まれ), you must stop.
- Stop just before the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop just before the intersection.
- After stopping, check safety, and do not block vehicles on the crossing road.
- A flashing red light in your direction works like a stop sign: stop at the stop line.
- A flashing yellow light means you may proceed while watching other traffic. You do not have to stop.
- When a crosswalk has a stop line and a pedestrian is crossing or about to cross, stop before the stop line.
- When you enter a wide road from a narrow road, stop and check. This is especially dangerous.
- At a red light, stop at the stop position, which is just before the stop line where there is one.
Common traps
- Slowing down is not enough at a 止まれ sign. You must stop.
- A flashing red light means stop. A flashing yellow light means proceed with care. Do not mix them up.
- Stopping does not give you priority. You must not block crossing traffic.
- The stopping point is just before the stop line, not past it. With no line, it is just before the intersection.
- When the road looks empty, the stop is still required.
In Japan a stop sign needs a full stop at the line. A rolling stop is not allowed. Stop signs are red inverted triangles with 止まれ, not octagons.
Try 2 questions
At a flashing red light, a vehicle must stop at the stopping position.
Answer: ○ A flashing red light means stop at the stopping position, and do not obstruct vehicles on the crossing road.
At a flashing yellow light, a vehicle must stop at the stopping position.
Answer: × A flashing yellow light means you may proceed while paying attention to other traffic. A stop is required at a flashing red light.