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Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/9 18:12
Hi

I am confused about some supplemental signs in Japan’s traffic. According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_signs_in_Japan#Supplemental_signs there are three types of restriction signs:

- Restriction ahead: some Korean letters or an arrow to the right
- End of restriction: some Korean letters, an arrow to the left or a blue circle with a solid line
- Restricted zone: an arrow with two heads

What is a restricted zone? Does that mean that the restriction still persists after taking a turn? How is the end of a restricted zone marked? By an arrow to the left?

What’s the use of the “Restriction ahead” signs? Does it even change the meaning of a maximum-50-sign for example?

Are there any differences between the sign which seem to mean exactly the same? For instance, is the blue circle with the diagonal line in it the same as an arrow to the left? When there are two different signs under the blue circle, are both affected by the sign above? (e.g. https://www.instantstreetview.com/@37.415294,140.99888,0.36h,1.72p,2.8...)
Can the sign with the blue circle stand alone without any other signs? In Germany that means “End of all restrictions”.

I would really appreciate if someone would help me to become more confident in Japan’s traffic.

Best
by JapanTraffic (guest)  

Re: Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/10 15:15
The blue (end of restriction) is never used alone.

The arrow type of restriction signs are also never used alone. An arrow to the right with a no parking sign starts a no parking zone. An arrow in both directions with a no parking sign `continues` a no parking zone. While an arrow to the left ends the zone.
by Paul (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/10 15:53
some Korean letters

???
by Firas rate this post as useful

Re: Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/10 21:45
some Korean letters
???
Kanji is "Chinese" letters, "Korean" is wrong.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_characters

@ Paul
No, don't tell a lie.
This RED arrow sign is not only used for parking,
just means "start","zone" and "end" of main regulatory signs placed above.
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/tosoyan/imgs/c/0/c0deb10d.jpg
Although it is certain that most often seen in signs regulating parking,
and "never used alone" part is not a wrong.

@ JapanTraffic
Streetview one means the end of both two regulatory signs below.
Speed limit is from 50 to 60 (maximum speed on "ordinary road", called 一般道: ippan-dou),
and "Overtaking prohibition" is also canceled.
(You can see that it changes from the orange center line to the dashed white line on long straight)

And,
do not know if you plan to actually drive in that section (Route 6, town Okuma),
which is right next to the nuclear power plant accident of 3.11 (tomorrow is),
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukushima_Daiichi_nuclear_disaster
just Passing is allowed (car only), but, Stopping and turn to side road is NOT allowed.
(it is controlled not to stop by signals, always yellow flashing)
The reason why the vehicle is not allowed to stop is the evidence
that radiation has not yet been completely lowered.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wsCnoTILLs
(Jump to 5:35, the numerical value in the lower right is the radiation, but divice accuracy is low.)
If it does not go, it does not matter, though, anyway.
by C-Poc (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/11 07:58
Jeez... it was an example... :)
by Paul (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/12 20:46
Thanks for your explanations :)
by Japan's Traffic (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/14 00:06
Hi again,

in cities and on highways, there is often no explicit speedlimit given after a junction. What is the maximum speed there? Is it the speed limit given before taking a turn or is it the legal limit (60 on highways, 100 on expressways)? Seems a little bit wired.

Thanks in advance
by Japan's Traffic (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/14 04:32
Before taking a turn?… unrelated. I had not noticed `missing` signs, but if you are unsure, then I would suggest a moderate speed. That is, don`t overtake, and just go with the flow where there is traffic. And where you are alone, just drive a bit more slowly until you do find a sign.

BTW – speed traps usually have a small red/orange cone set at curbside (protecting the speed devices), and these cones can be used as a warning of what is ahead for you, should you be speeding. Also of course frequently checking your rearview mirror for fast closing vehicles, can give you time to slow down if you are speeding.
by Paul (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Japan's Traffic - Restriction Signs 2018/3/15 22:14
No worry, you can also use Street-view,
so you can understand about which type roads are using lower limit speed.
This is the same way in every country.

In the residential area, near the elementary schools and parks,
the sections with many signals even in the city, continuous curves, slopes,
tunnels and strong wind and deep foggy sections are less than 40km/h limit usual.
50km/h limit is safer and wider with many heavy-duty trucks
also few pedestrians and bicycles out of urban towns area,
60km/h limit is mostly case without a speed limit sign(as plate), more safer than 50.

There are many sections with 60 or 80km/h limit on express-ways (main lanes) and other toll roads.
http://en.driveplaza.com/rules/rules.html

Even no charge roads excluding small motorcycles 125cc or less and
small-sized special motor vehicles like these, of course including pedestrians and bicycles,
http://www.city.ama.aichi.jp/zeikin/keijidousya/005244.html
more than 60km/h limit roads exist, but there are not so many.

@ Paul
Only about speed traps :
Although that knowledge is not a wrong, but a bit not enough,
means using their devices are not only that portable type.
and it will be updated to a new style soon, I do not explain about it, though.
Speed and other traffic violations spots are roughly decided, only local drivers know well.
by C-Poc (guest) rate this post as useful

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