New fine system for cyclists in Japan to start on April 1, 2026
The Japanese government has set the details of a new system of fines for cyclists guilty of relatively minor traffic violations. The new regulations will come into effect on April 1 of next year.
A revision to the Road Traffic Act enacted last year introduces so-called "blue-ticket" fines for minor traffic violations. Cyclists issued such tickets by police can avoid indictment by paying a fine.
At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the government determined the fines for 113 traffic violations.
For example, a person using a mobile phone while cycling will be fined 12,000 yen, or about 83 dollars.
Those cyclists who ignore traffic signals, travel in the wrong direction or use pedestrian paths will face fines of 6,000 yen, or about 41 dollars.
Cycling two abreast will bring a fine of 3,000 yen, or about 21 dollars.
Some public comments sent earlier to the National Police Agency said that cyclists should not be fined for using pedestrian paths.
The police responded that under the current rule, bicycles are in principle required to use the road, except in certain cases where they are allowed to use the sidewalk.
Such exceptions would apply to cyclists under 13 years of age or 70 or older, or when vehicular traffic is heavy and dangerous.
It also said cyclists using pedestrian paths would not be fined unless they are going too fast or forcing pedestrians into dangerous situations.
The police officials said they will widely publicize what they believe to be the core measures of the crackdown and emphasize the traffic laws.
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