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Maximum speed on residential roads lowered to 30 km/h from September 1
N3 society Original · 1 min read · 40 views · 6 words

生活道路の最高速度 30キロに引き下げ 9月1日から施行

Maximum speed on residential roads lowered to 30 km/h from September 1

2026年9月1日から、生活道路せいかつどうろの最高速度さいこうそくどが時速60キロから30キロに引き下げられました。中央線がない狭い道路が主な対象です。

From 1 September 2026, the maximum speed on residential roads has been lowered from 60 km/h to 30 km/h. The main targets are narrow roads without a center line.

この変更の目的は、交通事故こうつうじこ、特に歩行者が巻き込まれる重大な事故を減らすことです。車の速度が時速30キロを超えると、歩行者との事故で死亡する確率が急激に高くなることが分かっています。

The purpose of this change is to reduce traffic accidents, especially serious ones involving pedestrians. It is known that when a vehicle’s speed exceeds 30 km/h, the probability of death in a collision with a pedestrian rises sharply.

一般道の最高速度はこれまで原則時速60キロでしたが、生活道路では標識がなくても30キロが適用されます。運転者うんてんしゃは速度を落とし、歩行者ほこうしゃや自転車じてんしゃに十分注意する必要があります。

Until now the general maximum speed on ordinary roads was 60 km/h in principle, but on residential roads 30 km/h applies even without signs. Drivers need to slow down and pay close attention to pedestrians and bicycles.

新しいルールがどれだけ守られるかが課題です。ドライバーへの周知を進め、安全な道路環境をつくることが求められています。

The challenge is how well the new rule will be observed. It is necessary to raise awareness among drivers and create a safer road environment.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 生活道路 mean?

A street in a residential area, usually narrow, without a median line (中央線), where pedestrians and bicycles travel a lot.

Why reduce it to 30 km/h?

Because when the vehicle speed exceeds 30 km/h, the death rate of pedestrians in accidents increases sharply. The goal is to reduce serious accidents in residential areas.

Are there new signs?

On many roads, even without new signs, 30 km/h still applies. Drivers should pay special attention in housing and school areas.

Source: Reading exercises compiled by JNews

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