TOKYO, Apr 25 (News On Japan) –
The Japanese authorities will start issuing blue tickets for bicycle site visitors violations in April 2026, with fines together with 5,000 yen for ignoring cease indicators and as much as 12,000 yen for using whereas utilizing a smartphone.
Riding aspect by aspect or with two folks on one bike will price 3,000 yen, whereas using with an umbrella or earphones will lead to a 5,000 yen tremendous.
Other behaviors topic to fines embody failing to decelerate in puddles and splashing others, which may also be fined 5,000 yen.
During a news section, anchor Aimi Miyaji posed a query: “If you’re riding on the road and come to a red light, but notice the sidewalk signal is green and switch over to the sidewalk, is that a violation?” Fellow anchor Minoru Aoi responded, “Probably not allowed since it’s still a bicycle.” Miyaji confirmed, “Correct. That’s a violation and results in a 6,000 yen fine.”
Reiko Endo, one other anchor, famous that youngsters could also be extra conscious of those guidelines than adults, as many colleges now supply bicycle security courses.
Other violations and their corresponding fines embody: failing to maintain to the left when being overtaken by a automobile (5,000 yen), using at evening with out lights (5,000 yen), using a bicycle with defective brakes (5,000 yen), and making pointless sudden stops (5,000 yen).
“Unnecessary sudden braking is hard to judge,” mentioned Aoi. Miyaji added that common bicycle upkeep would possibly assist stop such conditions.
While the foundations might seem strict, they’re being launched in response to rising security issues. Although the general variety of site visitors accidents is declining nationwide, 2024 recorded a record-high 28 circumstances of demise or severe damage brought on by smartphone use whereas biking.
Aoi requested whether or not all infractions would instantly lead to a blue ticket. Miyaji defined that this could rely upon the circumstances, resembling whether or not the bike owner ignored police warnings or created a harmful state of affairs. The authorities plans to collect public suggestions via a remark interval main as much as the 2026 implementation.
Commenting on the problem of defining violations, visitor commentator Megumi Kaneko mentioned, “Introducing blue tickets for bicycles is a big step. It’s a familiar form of transportation, but the reality on the ground can be different from the rules. If enforcement feels out of step with daily experience, it could trigger public backlash—something the police on the frontlines would have to handle. That’s why collecting public opinions now is important. It’s also essential for households to understand that bicycles are classified as light vehicles and carry risks. We should take time at home to talk about how to ride properly and safely.”
Source: FNN