Japan halves speed limit to 30km/h on all narrow city streets
Summary
Japan has lowered the speed limit from 60 km/h (37 mph) to 30 km/h on many narrow city streets to reduce deaths and injuries, especially among children and older people. The new rule applies to about 870,000 km of residential roads without center lines or speed signs, covering around 70% of the country’s general roads.Key Facts
- The speed limit was cut to 30 km/h on narrow urban roads with no center lines or speed signs starting Tuesday.
- These roads are common in crowded Japanese cities and are usually less than 5.5 meters wide.
- The change affects roughly 870,000 km of roads, which is about 70% of Japan’s general roads.
- Traffic deaths overall have fallen to a record low of 2,457 last year.
- However, deaths involving children and older people on residential roads stay steady at about 300 a year and increased in 2025.
- Earlier limited "zone 30" areas introduced in 2011 reduced serious injuries and deaths by 30%.
- Data shows that pedestrian deaths are much lower at speeds of 30 km/h or less compared to higher speeds.
- Police ask drivers to be extra careful on roads shared with pedestrians and cyclists.
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