生活道路の速度、時速60キロから30キロに

Welcome to Japanese Daily News. I'm Maya. Today is September ninth. Japan just changed a big traffic rule. On the narrow streets where people live, cars must now drive much more slowly. Let's listen.

Now let's break it down, sentence by sentence.

From September first, Japan's traffic rules changed in a big way.

It means to change — to become different.

On narrow streets, car speed is now limited to thirty kilometers per hour.

It means narrow — the opposite of wide.

Until now, on roads without signs, cars could drive up to sixty kilometers per hour.

It means a road sign — the boards that show traffic rules.

The new rule applies to narrow roads with no center line. In Japan they are called living roads — residential streets.

It means target, or subject — the thing a rule applies to.

These are the streets near people's homes. Many walkers and bicycles pass through them.

It means bicycle.

When cars go slower, injuries are lighter, even if an accident happens.

It means accident — like a car crash.

People who don't follow the speed limit must pay a fine.

It means a fine — money you pay as a penalty.

The police say: even without a sign, please drive slowly on narrow streets.

It means police.

Let's listen to the whole story one more time.

Time for a short quiz. Listen and try to answer.

Thirty kilometers per hour — that's the new limit on narrow streets.

September first.

It's to protect people walking and riding bicycles — to keep neighborhood streets safe.

That's all for today. If you ever drive in Japan, remember — no sign does not mean no limit. Slow down on the small streets. See you next time!