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Japan cuts speed limit on narrow city streets to 30km/h

Japan has lowered the speed limit from 60km/h to 30km/h on residential roads without centre lines, effective this week.

By Middle East Affairs
September 2, 2026
A narrow hillside street lined with residential and commercial buildings slopes downward toward a waterfront with blue water, fishing boats, and harbor structures visible in the distance.
A steep residential street descends toward a busy harbor district, exemplifying the narrow urban roads in Japanese cities where new lower speed limits have been implemented. (The Guardian — Asia Pacific)
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Japan reduced the speed limit to 30km/h on residential roads without centre lines or maximum speed signs, down from 60km/h, according to media reports. The new limit took effect on Tuesday in an effort to reduce deaths and injuries among pedestrians on narrow urban streets. The change applies to approximately 70% of general roads in crowded cities.