Speed limits in Japan


Statutory speed limit in Japan defaults to for divided national highways and for any other roads, unless otherwise posted. The highest speed limit in Japan is on some sections of Shin-Tōmei Expressway and Tōhoku Expressway. Urban two-way streets are usually zoned at or less.

Summary

Limits in Japan are different from most countries:

Speed camera

A threshold for speed camera in Japan is set at a minimum of 40 km/h above the limit on an expressway and minimum 30 km/h above limit on other streets, where drivers will face criminal charges instead of traffic infractions. This is due to legal precedents dating back to 1969 restricting police from filming an individual unless a criminal offence is immediately being committed.

Police enforcement

Police enforcement varies depending on jurisdiction, officers, traffic flow and types of street, but 20 km/h above the speed limit on an expressway and 15 km/h above limit is generally tolerated on other streets. Some jurisdictions, such as Tokyo Metropolitan Police, releases the list of traffic enforcement locations on their websites.