Japan's Left Priority Rule: Who Goes First at Uncontrolled Intersections?

· GaimenGo Team

Japan's Left Priority Rule: Who Goes First at Uncontrolled Intersections?

One of the most misunderstood rules in Japan's driving test — the 左方優先 (Sahō Yūsen — Left Priority) rule explained clearly.

What Is the Left Priority Rule?

At many intersections in Japan — especially in residential areas — there are no traffic signals, no stop signs, and no priority road markings. Who goes first? The answer is Article 36 of Japan's Road Traffic Act (道路交通法第36条 — Dōro Kōtsū Hō Dai 36-jō): the vehicle coming from the LEFT has priority.

This is called 左方優先 (Sahō Yūsen — Left Priority).

When Does It Apply?

All three conditions must be met:

  • The intersection has no traffic signals
  • There is no priority road (優先道路 — Yūsen Dōro) marking or sign
  • The intersecting roads are of equal width

If any of these conditions is not met, a different rule takes over.

The Priority Hierarchy

  1. Priority road (優先道路 — Yūsen Dōro) — the road with a centerline or priority sign always goes first
  2. Wider road — if no priority marking, the wider road has priority
  3. Left priority (左方優先 — Sahō Yūsen) — only when widths are equal and no signs apply

What About Stop Signs?

Here's a common exam trap: if both roads have stop signs (一時停止 — Ichiji Teishi), both cars must stop first, and then left priority applies. The stop signs create equal footing — and left priority then determines who proceeds first.

However, if only one road has a stop sign, that vehicle must yield to the other — regardless of which side it comes from.

Memory Tip

Think of it this way: in Japan, you drive on the left, you keep left, and at equal intersections, you yield to the left. Everything in Japanese traffic law leans left.

Key Exam Questions to Watch

  • 'At an equal-width unsignalled intersection, the vehicle from the right must yield' → True
  • 'Left priority applies even when one road has a stop sign and the other does not' → False
  • 'When both roads have stop signs, left priority applies after both vehicles stop' → True

Reference: 道路交通法第36条 (Dōro Kōtsū Hō Dai 36-jō — Road Traffic Act Article 36), JAF Traffic Rules.