Ch. 5 · Driving Method

Because there was no oncoming traffic, I changed lanes and passed the car in front of me near a curve in the road.

[True / False · Medium]

Answer: ✕ False

Explanation

The Rules of the Road state that near a curve in the road, you must not change lanes or pass alongside a car or general moped for the purpose of overtaking. It is a violation regardless of the presence of oncoming traffic.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 11: Overtaking

Hikari
Hikari
No oncoming cars means I can pass near a curve, right?
Misaki
Misaki
That's false. The law bans changing lanes or passing near curves to overtake, regardless of traffic.
Hikari
Hikari
So even with a clear road it's still a violation?
Misaki
Misaki
Exactly. Curves reduce visibility and control — oncoming traffic isn't the only risk.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第6節 追越しなど) · Rules of the Road, Ch.5 §6 (Overtaking) — Overtake on the right side. Do not overtake where prohibited (near intersections, crossings, pedestrian crossings, curves, hills, tunnels) or when the lead vehicle is itself overtaking or turning right.

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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.