Overview

• An administrative blue-ticket system for bicycle violations takes effect on April 1, 2026, replacing criminal prosecution with fines for specified minor offenses.
• The framework covers 113 violations for riders aged 16 and over with fines from ¥3,000 to ¥12,000, while 24 serious offenses such as drunk riding and obstructive driving remain criminal red-ticket cases.
• Police will issue immediate citations without prior warning for smartphone use while riding (¥12,000), entering a closed railroad crossing (¥7,000), and defective braking equipment (¥5,000).
• Immediate ticketing also applies to combined violations or maneuvers that create acute danger, and riders who ignore on-scene guidance and continue offending will be cited.
• Enforcement will concentrate on designated priority areas during commuting and school travel times and at twilight, with sidewalk riding generally addressed through guidance unless the conduct endangers pedestrians.