Rules for Parking and Stopping on the Roadside
Regulations on parking (駐車) and stopping (停車) according to Japan's Road Traffic Law
On roads without sidewalks (歩道) and without roadside strips (路側帯), vehicles must park or stop as close as possible to the left edge of the road.
On roads with roadside strips (路側帯), the spacing rules are as follows:
- If the roadside strip is ≤ 0.75 m wide, park close to the lane edge.
- If the roadside strip is ≥ 0.75 m wide, you may park in the roadside strip but must leave at least 0.75 m for pedestrians.
Maximum allowed parking time
Even in areas without 'No Parking' signs, you must not park longer than the legal time limit:
- Daytime (07:00–19:00): maximum 12 consecutive hours.
- Nighttime (19:00–07:00): maximum 8 consecutive hours.
Violations may result in fines, license point deductions, or towing, even without specific 'No Parking' signs.
* Exceptions apply to certain rural roads where long-term parking does not obstruct traffic.
Basic Knowledge
- 📚 Types of Traffic Signs
- 📚 Types of Vehicles Allowed to Drive
- 📚 Legal Speed Limits
- 📚 Legal Speed Limits on Highways
- 📚 No Parking or Stopping Zones
- 📚 Rules for Parking and Stopping on the Roadside
- 📚 Difference Between Parking and Stopping
- 📚 What is a Safety Zone?
- 📚 How to Count the Number of People
- 📚 Double Overtaking is a Violation
- 📚 Size and Weight Limits for Cargo
- 📚 Using the Vehicle Horn
- 📚 Exceptions to Parking Rules
- 📚 Ensuring Storage Space
- 📚 Hydroplaning Phenomenon
- 📚 Vehicle Types by License Category
- 📚 Periodic Vehicle Inspections
- 📚 Daily Vehicle Checks
- 📚 Stopping Distance
- 📚 Priority at Intersections
- 📚 Police Hand Signals