TOKYO - The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.
Riding side by side or with two people on one bike will cost 3,000 yen, while riding with an umbrella or earphones will result in a 5,000 yen fine.
Other behaviors subject to fines include failing to slow down in puddles and splashing others, which will also be fined 5,000 yen.
During a news segment, anchor Aimi Miyaji posed a question: “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, another anchor, noted that children may be more aware of these rules than adults, as many schools now offer bicycle safety classes.
Other violations and their corresponding fines include: failing to keep to the left when being overtaken by a car (5,000 yen), riding at night without lights (5,000 yen), riding a bicycle with faulty brakes (5,000 yen), and making unnecessary sudden stops (5,000 yen).
“Unnecessary sudden braking is hard to judge,” said Aoi. Miyaji added that regular bicycle maintenance might help prevent such situations.
While the rules may appear strict, they are being introduced in response to growing safety concerns. Although the overall number of traffic accidents is declining nationwide, 2024 recorded a record-high 28 cases of death or serious injury caused by smartphone use while cycling.
Aoi asked whether all infractions would immediately result in a blue ticket. Miyaji explained that this would depend on the circumstances, such as whether the cyclist ignored police warnings or created a dangerous situation. The government plans to gather public feedback through a comment period leading up to the 2026 implementation.
Commenting on the challenge of defining violations, guest commentator Megumi Kaneko said, “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
