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TOKYO — Ahead of the April 2026 introduction of a new system for bicycle traffic violations in Japan — where relatively minor offenses will be issued a so-called “blue ticket” requiring payment of a fine — the National Police Agency (NPA) has released a rule book outlining the targets and guidelines for enforcement.


Under the revised Road Traffic Act, fines will be imposed for 113 types of violations committed by cyclists aged 16 and older, ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 yen (roughly $20 to $81). Enforcement will continue to primarily involve guidance and warnings by police officers.


However, for the following three malicious and dangerous acts, blue tickets will be issued immediately without prior guidance or warning: “distracted cycling” (12,000 yen fine), such as holding a smartphone while staring at the screen or making calls while cycling, “entering a closed railway crossing” (7,000 yen fine) and “defective braking devices” (5,000 yen fine), such as not having brakes.


If a violation results in endangering traffic or increasing the risk of an accident, it will also lead to an immediate blue ticket. Examples include entering an intersection against a red light and causing other vehicles to brake suddenly. The instant issuance also applies to actions involving multiple violations, such as failing to stop while holding an umbrella or running a red light while riding double. Moreover, continued violations despite guidance or warnings will also result in an immediate blue ticket.


Enforcement will be conducted primarily in areas with heavy traffic designated as priority districts by each police station, especially during commuting and twilight hours.


Cyclists are generally required to use the roadway, with sidewalk cycling limited to areas where signs permit it. The rule book states that simply cycling on the sidewalk will result in guidance or warnings as before, but dangerous acts like speeding and causing pedestrians to stop will lead to an immediate blue ticket.


Additionally, 24 types of violations, including drunk cycling and obstructive riding, remain subject to so-called “red tickets,” which carry criminal penalties. The NPA published the rule book (in Japanese) on its website on Sept. 4.


(Japanese original by Masakatsu Yamasaki, Tokyo City News Department)