No, lane splitting remains illegal under Japan’s Road Traffic Act (Act No. 105 of 1960), as amended by the 2026 National Police Agency (NPA) directive. Motorcycles must maintain a single lane, with overtaking prohibited between marked lines. Enforcement prioritizes urban zones like Tokyo and Osaka, where fines range from ¥6,000 to ¥12,000. The NPA’s 2026 guidelines reinforce penalties for “squeezing” between vehicles, citing collision risks and pedestrian safety concerns.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Japan
- Single-Lane Mandate: Article 20 of the Road Traffic Act requires motorcycles to occupy one lane without lateral movement between vehicles, except during lane changes with signaled intent.
- Overtaking Restrictions: Article 28 prohibits overtaking by “lane filtering,” even at low speeds, unless the adjacent lane is stationary or moving at a crawl (interpreted strictly by local traffic bureaus).
- Local Enforcement Variations: Prefectural police (e.g., Tokyo Metropolitan Police) impose additional surcharges (¥10,000–¥18,000) for reckless lane splitting, particularly in school zones or during peak hours.