Bicycles are everywhere in Tokyo, but how to make the city truly bike-friendly remains a matter of often heated debate. Constructive or not, part of the conversation has long revolved around tougher penalties on unsafe biking – and that’s exactly what all of Japan will be getting from next year.
The country’s new fine system for minor cycling infractions will take effect from April 1 2026. The introduction of this ‘blue ticket’ system was originally approved last October, when the national government announced revisions to the road traffic law.
Seeing red
Those changes, which went into effect in November, essentially introduced criminal penalties for violations such as riding under the influence of alcohol and using a mobile phone while cycling, classifying these as ‘red ticket’ offences. Previously, only 20 such specified offences existed for major criminal violations, such as higher-level intoxication while cycling. There were no specific penalties for lesser infractions, and most incidents resulted in warnings.
As we reported last year, following the November 2024 revisions, general mobile phone use while cycling can now result in up to six months imprisonment or a ¥100,000 fine. Causing an accident as a result of using a mobile phone while cycling can result in up to one year in prison or a fine of ¥300,000.
Similarly, cycling under the influence (with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 milligram per litre or more) can now result in jail time and up to ¥500,000 in fines. In addition, individuals found to have provided the offending bike and alcohol will be subject to penalties.
Blue tickets
From April 1 next year, however, 113 other minor infractions will be penalised under a ‘blue ticket’ system. In addition to minor phone use violations, ignoring traffic signals, using an umbrella while riding, riding on the sidewalk or travelling against the direction of traffic will incur fines of between ¥5,000 and ¥12,000. At the lower end of the spectrum, riding side by side or carrying passengers illegally will attract a fine of ¥3,000.
Cyclists 16 years and older will be subject to the new fines, which will be issued on the spot. If you receive a fine, you will have eight days to pay it at a bank or post office to avoid indictment. Missing this deadline will trigger the start of criminal procedures.
Footpath frenzy
The National Police Agency has received pushback regarding the ban on footpath use, with cyclists pointing out that in some cases, riding on main roads can be dangerous. Police have attempted to quell the concerns, stating that cyclists are required to use roads in principle even under the existing laws, and that fines would primarily extend to those going too fast or forcing pedestrians into dangerous situations – a policy that appears to leave plenty of wiggle room.
Ultimately, the NPA states that it plans to exercise discretion across the board and, in general, mainly intends to impose fines for ‘malicious and dangerous acts’ such as ignoring warnings or causing accidents.
The revisions come in response to an increase in bicycle-related incidents in recent years. According to the NPA, roughly 25 deaths and serious injuries have resulted from cyclists using mobile phones since 2021. Annually, it says, around 100 accidents resulting in death or serious injury involve intoxicated cyclists.
The NPA promises to publicise the new laws and their enforcement policies more widely before they come into effect next year.
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