New bike laws in Japan take effect in 2026. What cyclists and drivers need to know
By Elizabeth Sok
From commuting to work and picking up groceries to cycling Japan's scenic national routes, bikes are a popular and practical way to get around. Even if you don't own one, Japan's many bike-sharing apps make it easy to rent a ride near you. But as with any vehicle, bikes come with rules, and new bike laws in Japan are coming soon.
In 2024, there were over 67,000 bicycle-related traffic accidents, with over 80% of fatal cases involving a cyclist violating traffic laws. Smartphone use while riding is also a growing issue, with accident cases increasing by over 50% in recent years.
In response, Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) has introduced stricter regulations to make cycling safer for everyone — riders, drivers, and pedestrians. If you cycle in Japan (or plan to), here's what you need to know.
Red Tickets vs. Blue Tickets: What's Changing?
In recent years, Japan has taken a stricter stance on dangerous cycling. Since late 2024, serious offenses like riding under the influence of alcohol or using a smartphone while cycling have carried steep red-ticket (赤切符, aka-kippu) penalties — including fines of up to ¥100,000 for phone use and, for drunk cycling, up to ¥1 million or five years in prison under the Road Traffic Act.
But starting April 2026, a new blue ticket system (青切符制度, **ao-kippu seido) will go into effect for less severe violations. Already used for motorists and moped riders, blue tickets allow police to issue **on-the-spot fines for 113 cycling offenses, including ignoring stop signs or riding without a light.
The system targets cyclists aged 16 and older and aims to improve road safety through more consistent enforcement, without immediately resorting to criminal charges.
Blue Ticket Penalties
The full list of infractions and their penalties is on the National Police Agency website (Japanese only), but here are some of the most common violations to watch out for starting in April 2026.
What Do I Do If I Get a Blue Ticket?
If you're issued a blue ticket, you must pay the fine within eight days, usually using cash at a post office or bank. Ignoring the fine may result in a court summons, and continued non-compliance could lead to a criminal case.
While you can contest a blue ticket, doing so means appearing in court, and there's no guarantee the fine will be waived. In most cases, it's easier — and safer — to pay promptly and avoid further legal trouble.
How Do I Pay a Blue Ticket?
To pay a blue ticket, bring the payment slip you received to a post office or bank and pay the fine in cash. You'll typically fill out a simple form and receive a receipt — be sure to keep it as proof of
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