Ch. 1 · Common Conduct

When there is a sign with a white background and blue left-pointing arrow at the left edge of the road, you may turn left even if the signal ahead is red or yellow, but you must come to a complete stop before proceeding.

[True / False · Medium]

Answer: ✕ False

Explanation

The Rules of the Road states that when this sign is present, you may turn left even if the signal ahead is red or yellow while paying attention to pedestrians and other traffic around you, but it does not require you to come to a complete stop. The correct rule is that you must not interfere with pedestrians or bicycles crossing at the crosswalk.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 2: Following traffic signals

Hikari
Hikari
I can turn left on red with that sign, but I have to stop completely first, right?
Yui
Yui
That's false. You don't need to stop completely—you just need to yield to pedestrians and bikes without interfering.
Hikari
Hikari
Wait, so I can keep rolling as long as I'm careful?
Yui
Yui
Exactly. The key is yielding, not stopping. Just make sure the crosswalk is clear and you're good to go.

Source: Ch. 1 Common Conduct · Section (第2節 信号) · Rules of the Road, Ch.1 §2 (Obeying signals, signs & markings) — Drivers and pedestrians must obey traffic-signal lights, road signs, and road markings. The types of signals, signs, and markings and their meanings are listed in Appendix 1 and 3.

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Source content excerpted from the NPA “Rules of the Road” instructional manual, in the public domain under Japanese Copyright Act Article 13(2). Explanations are AI-assisted and copyrighted by the MenkyoQuest editorial team.