New Road Traffic Law Coming Next Spring—Cyclists Subject to Fines

Even if you are not in a car, you will have to pay a fine if you commit a traffic violation

“If it’s a bicycle, you can get away with it”—that kind of leniency ends this winter.

From April 1 next year, the traffic violation notification system for bicycles, commonly called the blue ticket, will finally be introduced. Until now, bicycle violations, except for serious cases like drunk riding, were mostly handled through police guidance or warnings. However, starting next spring, even minor violations will require payment of fines, just like for automobiles.

Riding on the right side (going the wrong way)
Fine: ¥6,000

The first point to note is that the system applies only to riders aged 16 and over. There are over 100 types of violations covered, but the six representative examples listed on the Metropolitan Police Department website are:

Using a mobile phone, etc.: fine ¥12,000

Entering a closed railroad crossing: fine ¥7,000

Running a red light: fine ¥6,000

Riding on the right side: fine ¥6,000

Faulty braking system: fine ¥5,000

Failure to stop at designated spots: fine ¥5,000

Note that faulty braking system mainly refers to improperly maintained brakes.

A point that requires caution is using a mobile phone, etc., also known as smartphone riding. First, whether smartphone use is subject to a blue ticket (fine) or a red ticket (criminal penalty) depends on the degree of danger.

If an accident occurs or traffic danger arises, it is treated as using a mobile phone, etc. (causing traffic danger) and subject to a red ticket. Otherwise, for example, looking at a smartphone while riding is subject to a blue ticket, but how far “looking” extends is ambiguous.

“Just like with cars, holding a smartphone in your hand to make calls or staring at the screen is not allowed. Using it fixed in a smartphone holder for navigation, like Uber Eats delivery riders, displaying a map, will not immediately be considered a violation. However, even if fixed, if you stare at or operate the screen while riding, it is considered ‘distracted riding,’” says automotive lifestyle journalist Kumiko Kato.

Another area that causes confusion is headphones.

“The definition of headphones follows each prefecture’s ordinances. For example, some allow bone-conduction headphones that don’t block the ears, while others interpret it strictly. The common point is that any situation where you cannot hear sounds necessary for safe riding is prohibited. Even bone-conduction headphones, if used at a high volume that prevents hearing surrounding sounds, could be considered a violation,” she adds.

“As long as you don’t get caught, it’s OK” – could encourage brazen behavior

There are other unclear points. Pointing out that only honest people might end up being the losers is automotive critic Mitsuhiro Kunisawa.

“The problem is, ‘What if someone runs away?’ Bicycles don’t have license plates, so if someone flees, it’s hard to identify them. Riders may not carry ID, so if they lie about their name or address, how will the authorities send reminders for unpaid fines?

In the end, only conscientious people will pay the fines, while reckless people who commit serious violations may get away with it.”

This is a major change for bicycles, but there’s also a change for automobiles. With the mandatory slow-down when overtaking bicycles, cars are required to slow down if there isn’t enough space (about 1.5 meters) when passing a bicycle.

Kunisawa predicts:

“Unless the road is very wide, it will be difficult to legally overtake a bicycle while slowing down. In other words, cars will end up following bicycles slowly for long stretches, causing frequent traffic jams.”

The blue ticket system is set to be introduced next spring. While many points remain vague, first and foremost, the goal of preventing accidents will not be achieved unless riders’ awareness changes. Kato emphasized this to bicycle users:

“Unlike cars, bicycles do not require a license. So some people may have been riding with a pedestrian-like mindset, but that won’t be acceptable anymore. Riders need to recognize that they are members of traffic society and be even more conscious of safe riding.”

Those who cannot ride responsibly will face high costs starting next spring.

Using a mobile phone while riding (holding)
Fine: ¥12,000

Riding with an umbrella
Fine: ¥5,000

Running a red light
Fine: ¥6,000

Wearing headphones
Fine: ¥5,000