Stage 1 Course Content 10 — Changing Course, etc.

1. Prohibition against Changing Course

1. Prohibition against Changing Course

Vehicles must not change course without due cause.

A driver must not change course when changing course would require vehicles behind to brake suddenly or steer suddenly to avoid the vehicle. When changing course is unavoidable, change after checking for safety using the rearview mirrors, the driver's own eyes, etc.

The procedure to change course:

  1. Ensure safety.
  2. Give a signal.
  3. Ensure safety again.
  4. Turn the steering wheel gently.
  5. Stop signaling.

Check for safety sufficiently, signal 3 seconds before changing course, then change course gradually.

Reference: "Change course without due cause" Refers to changing course without a legitimate reason. Changing to turn right or left or to overtake would not be considered "changing course without due cause". (Refer to p. 50)

2. Vehicular Lanes with Yellow Lines

  1. When vehicular lanes are demarcated by a yellow line, a vehicle must not cross this yellow line to change lanes.
  2. Even when lanes are demarcated by a white line, if there is a yellow line parallel to it on the side of the vehicular lane the vehicle is proceeding in, the vehicle must not cross this yellow line to change lanes. (The white line would have the same meaning whether it is a solid line or a broken line.)

Attention: When changing course over yellow lines is permitted ① When moving to the left or the right side of the road to give way to emergency vehicles (Vehicles may move to the right at times on a one-way road). ② When it is not possible to proceed in the vehicular lane the vehicle was proceeding in due to roadwork, etc. ③ When returning to the original vehicular lane after changing because of ① or ② above.

2. Prohibition against Cutting Across the Road, Making U-turns, etc.

1. Prohibition against Cutting Across the Road, etc. When There Is a Risk of Obstructing Other Traffic

When there is a risk of obstructing the passage of pedestrians or the normal passage of other vehicles, etc., a vehicle must not cut across the road, make U-turns, reverse, or turn left, turn right, or cut across the road to enter or exit roadside places.

2. Prohibition against Cutting Across the Road and Making U-turns According to Traffic Signs, etc.

A vehicle must not cut across the road or make a U-turn where it is prohibited by traffic signs or pavement markings.

※ A vehicle may cross to enter or exit a roadside place on the left side of the road.

3. Prohibition against Cutting in, Crossing in Front, etc.

When a vehicle ahead is stopped or proceeding slowly at an intersection, a railroad crossing, etc., a driver must not cut in front of it or cross in front of it.

In all other situations, a driver must not suddenly cut in front of another vehicle or travel too close to another vehicle traveling beside it.

Reference: "Cutting in" Refers to changing course into the front of a vehicle that is stopped, proceeding slowly, or proceeding, entering the lane by force. Even when only a part of a vehicle enters the lane, it is considered cutting in.

"Crossing in front" Refers to passing beside a vehicle, etc. and then turning right or left immediately in front of the vehicle, etc.

Attention: Aggressive driving is a crime! Never drive aggressively "Aggressive driving" is an extremely malicious and dangerous act that can lead to serious traffic accidents. If a person commits any of the following violations, which are likely to cause a danger to traffic on the road, for the purpose of obstructing the passage of other vehicles, etc., the violation is punishable as "obstructive driving".

Violations that are considered to be obstructive (aggressive) driving [10 types]

  1. Approaching from the opposite lane or driving in the opposite direction (Article 17, Paragraph 4)
  2. Sudden braking (Article 24)
  3. Not keeping a safe distance between vehicles (Article 26)
  4. Changing course suddenly (Article 26-2, Paragraph 2)
  5. Overtaking from the left or overtaking in a violent manner (Article 28, Paragraph 1 or 4)
  6. Continuous use of high beams (Article 52, Paragraph 2)
  7. Unnecessary honking (Article 54, Paragraph 2)
  8. Traveling too close to or weaving between vehicles, etc. (Article 70)
  9. Traveling at low speed (Article 75-4)
  10. Stopping or parking on expressway (Article 75-8, Paragraph 1)

Penalty: Imprisonment not exceeding 3 to 5 years or a fine not exceeding 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen! Revocation of license!

※ The person who instigated the aggressive driving will also be subject to punishment.

When met with aggressive driving... If, for example, you are followed by a dangerous driver, don't ever engage them. Drive to a safe location (with people around), stop the vehicle, and deal with the situation as follows.

Let's Try — Course Content 10: Check your understanding with right/wrong questions. (See page 275 for answers.)

  1. If any uncertainty about changing course is felt judging from the road surface or traffic conditions, it is better not to change course.
  2. When driving a vehicle, a driver must not change course without due cause. If changing course is unavoidable, check for safety using rearview mirrors and by looking with own eyes before changing.
  3. When vehicular lanes are demarcated by a yellow line, a vehicle may change lanes across this line after checking for safety to the rear and to the side.
  4. [Image of no U-turn sign] Where this traffic sign is present, not only cutting across the road but also making a U-turn and reversing are prohibited for vehicles.
  5. When reversing, a vehicle must not reverse if a pedestrian or another vehicle is approaching and there is a risk of obstructing their normal passage.
  6. When a vehicle ahead is stopped or proceeding slowly at an intersection, a railroad crossing, etc., a driver must not cut in front of it or cross in front of it.

(正: right, 誤: wrong)