Intersection questions combine two kinds of decision: what a signal or stop sign requires before movement, and who has priority if movement is possible. Keep those stages in order. First read the control exactly; then identify the intended movement and the other road user named in the scenario.
Stage one: read the control narrowly
A red main signal is the default stop condition for straight travel and for both turns. An illuminated green arrow creates a narrow permission within that red condition: only the movement pointed to by the arrow is released. The arrow is not permission to choose any direction, and an empty-looking intersection does not create an exception to red. At a posted stop sign, reduce speed is not the completed action. Bring the vehicle fully to rest first, then check left and right, and proceed only after deciding that it is safe.
| Fact to notice | Decision method |
|---|---|
| Red with no green arrow for your movement | Keep the vehicle stopped and wait |
| Red with an illuminated green arrow | Release only the direction indicated by that arrow |
| Posted stop sign | Complete the stop before the left-right safety check |
Stage two: identify who has priority
For the two priority conflicts in the notice, use the other road user's action rather than guessing from who arrived first. A driver turning right waits for oncoming traffic that is continuing straight or turning left. A pedestrian is protected not only after stepping into the road but also while about to cross, so the driver stops and allows the crossing. These are separate premises: the oncoming-traffic rule depends on the right turn and the other vehicle's straight or left-turn movement, while the pedestrian rule includes both crossing and preparing to cross.
Run the complete sequence
Ask three short questions. What control is present? Which movement does the driver intend? Which pedestrian or vehicle is described? Do not skip the first question because the road appears clear, and do not let permission to move erase the separate priority check. The notice's rules remain tied to these stated intersection situations; they are not a general catalogue of every signal, sign or junction in Japan.
Common traps
- Turning at red after yielding, checking for pedestrians or seeing an empty intersection. Without a green arrow for that movement, the red condition still requires waiting.
- Giving a right turn priority over oncoming traffic going straight or turning left, or trying to create priority with the horn. The turning driver must wait.
- Protecting a pedestrian only after the person has entered the lane, or using the horn to make the person wait. The notice also covers someone about to cross.
- Rolling through a stop sign while looking both ways, or merely slowing because the road seems clear. The full stop comes before the safety check.
Try it
The main signal is red, and the only illuminated green arrow points to the right. What movement does the notice permit?
- Proceed in any direction because the arrow cancels all restrictions.
- Continue straight even though the arrow points only to the right.
- Proceed only in the direction shown by the green arrow.
- Stay stopped because an arrow never authorizes movement.
Which intersection actions are supported by the notice? Select all that apply.
- Wait for a pedestrian who is about to cross.
- Turn right before traffic that is going straight.
- Use a green arrow to choose any movement.
- Remain stopped at a red signal unless a green arrow permits the intended direction.