Confusing Signs Guide

"Wait, which one is it?"
Comparison of similar signs and markings that often cause panic during exams!
Warning: The STOP sign in Japan is unique!

WARNING: Critical Difference!

MOST IMPORTANT Tomare (Stop) Sign Stop (Tomare)

Red Inverted Triangle ▽
In most countries, it's an Octagon (8 sides).
But in Japan, it's a Triangle!
You MUST bring your wheels to a complete halt.

CONFUSING No Entry Sign No Entry (Do not Enter)

Red Circle with White Bar
Often found at the exit of one-way streets.
Absolutely DO NOT enter.

Round 1: Stopping

One Slash No Parking No Parking

Parking (leaving the car) is prohibited.
However, passenger loading/unloading or cargo loading within 5 mins (Stopping) is Safe.

Cross Mark (X) No Stopping or Parking No Stopping or Parking

Both Parking AND Stopping are prohibited.
Regardless of reason, stopping even for a moment is Out.

💡 Tip: Remember "X" means "NO Stopping at all"!

Round 2: Pedestrians

Crosswalk Crosswalk

Place for crossing the road.
Cars can pass, but must Stop if pedestrians are present.

Pedestrians Only Pedestrians Only

Road for pedestrians only.
Basically, cars cannot enter.

💡 Point: Difference between "Can pass but yield" vs "Cannot enter".

Round 3: Winding Roads

Slippery Road Slippery Road

Shows tire skid marks.
Warns of bad road surface conditions (rain/snow).

Winding Road Winding Road

The arrow itself is curved.
Warns of the road shape (continuous curves).

💡 Tip: Distinguish by "Surface Condition" vs "Road Shape".

Round 4: Narrowing

Road Narrows Road Narrows

The width of the road itself narrows.
(Bottleneck shape)

Lane Reduction Lane Reduction

The number of lanes decreases.
(e.g., 3 lanes become 2 lanes)

Bonus: Blue Arrow Brothers

Mandatory Direction Mandatory Direction

Blue circle with arrow.
"Must proceed in arrow direction only."

Directional Lane Directional Lane

Square sign with lane arrows.
"Use this lane to turn right."

One Way One Way

Blue square with large white arrow.
One way traffic. Do not enter wrong way.

Left Turn Permitted Left Turn Permitted

White background with blue left arrow.
You may turn left even on Red/Yellow lights (with caution).

Final Round: Striped Zones

Yellow Border Safety Zone Safety Zone

Cars enter prohibited. Pedestrians OK.
Must slow down if pedestrians are present nearby.

Stripes No Entry Zone No Entry Zone

Cars absolutely prohibited.
"Danger Zone" often found before blind curves.

Square Box with Slashes No Stopping Zone No Stopping Zone

Passing is OK, but Stopping inside is prohibited.
Found in front of fire/police stations.

💡 Point:
No Entry = "Don't even enter"
No Stopping = "Pass OK, Stop NG"

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