Gaimen50-question practice tests in the real exam formatWhat does 二段階右折 (nidankai usetsu) mean? Two-step right turn
Updated: 2026-10
二段階右折 (にだんかいうせつ, nidankai usetsu) is a way of turning right: go straight across to the far side of the intersection, stop and turn to face right, and go when the signal ahead turns green. A moped (一般原動機付自転車, 原付) must turn this way at signal-controlled intersections that have a two-step right turn sign or where the road has three or more lanes. That it is required by lane count even without a sign is a classic test point.
Where it sits in the law
The Road Traffic Act (道路交通法) does not define the word 二段階右折; it sets out right-turn methods. For mopeds see Article 34(5); for light vehicles such as bicycles (軽車両) and specified small motorized bicycles (特定小型原動機付自転車, e.g. e-scooters) see Article 34(3).
| Vehicle | How to turn right | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles | Move to the center and turn slowly just inside the center of the intersection (small turn, 小回り) | Art. 34(2) |
| Mopeds (一般原動機付自転車) | Small turn as a rule; two-step at qualifying intersections | Art. 34(2), (5) |
| Bicycles etc., 特定小型原動機付自転車 | Always keep left and go slowly along the edge of the intersection (two-step) | Art. 34(3) |
Intersections where mopeds must turn in two steps
The intersection must be under traffic control (by signals etc.), and one of the following must apply.
- There is a 'moped right-turn method (two-step)' sign (一般原動機付自転車の右折方法（二段階）)
- The left half of the road (the whole road if one-way) has three or more lanes (including turn lanes near the intersection)
- But even with three or more lanes, if there is a 'small turn' (小回り) sign, do not turn in two steps
- At intersections without traffic control, mopeds make a normal small turn
How to do a two-step right turn
Following the rules of the road: (1) move to the left edge early; (2) signal right 30 m before the near edge of the intersection; (3) on green, go straight across slowly to the far side; (4) stop there, turn to face right and stop signaling; (5) go when the signal ahead turns green.
A moped making a two-step turn may not start turning on a green right arrow (Enforcement Order Art. 2). Only vehicles making a small turn may follow the arrow. Also, even where lanes are designated by direction, a moped turning in two steps keeps to the left edge (Art. 35(1)).
How it appears on the test, and the traps
The main traps are swapping 'moped' with 'motorcycle' and dropping the 'signal-controlled intersection' condition.
- 'At a signal-controlled intersection with three or more lanes each way, a moped must turn in two steps even without a sign' → True
- 'A moped required to turn in two steps may turn on a green right arrow' → False
- 'At an uncontrolled intersection with three lanes each way, turn in two steps' → False (only at controlled intersections)
- 'Keep signaling after reaching the far side' → False (stop once you have turned to face right)
- 'Motorcycles sometimes have to turn in two steps' → False (it applies to mopeds, light vehicles, etc.)
Roundabouts and new-standard mopeds
At roundabouts (環状交差点), mopeds and cars alike keep to the left and go slowly along the edge of the roundabout whether turning left, right or going straight (Art. 35-2). The two-step rule is not used.
Since April 2025, two-wheelers of 125cc or less with maximum output of 4.0 kW or less (新基準原付) may be ridden on a moped license. Legally they are still 一般原動機付自転車, so the same two-step rules apply.
Practice questions using this term
- Even when a green right-turn arrow is shown, motorized bicycles (mopeds) that must make a two-step right turn, and light vehicles, may not start turning right.
- When turning right at an intersection with three or more lanes on one side, a motorized bicycle (moped) must make a two-step right turn even if there is no two-step right turn sign.
FAQ
Q. Must mopeds turn in two steps at every intersection?
A. No. Only at signal-controlled intersections with a two-step sign or three or more lanes (not if a small-turn sign is posted).
Q. If I ride a moped on an ordinary car license, do I still turn in two steps?
A. Yes. It depends on the vehicle you ride, not the license you hold.
Q. What about bicycles?
A. Bicycles and other light vehicles always keep left and turn along the edge of the intersection, whatever the intersection.