Japan reduces residential road speed limits to 30 km/h

As of September 1, the statutory speed limit on residential roads in Japan has been reduced from 60 km/h to 30 km/h. This change applies specifically to roads that lack a center line or median strip. If a road has a center line, the limit remains 60 km/h unless otherwise indicated by signage.

The measure aims to reduce accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Data from the National Police Agency indicates that between 2021 and 2025, approximately 34,000 people were injured or killed on residential roads, with children and seniors accounting for over 40% of those victims. In Hiroshima, police noted that the rate of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists on these roads is approximately 1.8 times higher than on other types of roads.

Local communities and police departments have begun awareness campaigns to ensure drivers are aware of the new regulations. In Nagasaki Prefecture, school PTA members and local police distributed leaflets to commuters to highlight the new 30 km/h limit. Authorities warn that exceeding the new limit on these roads could result in immediate license suspension.