Quick Answer: Starting April 2026, Japan will introduce fines ("blue tickets") for minor bicycle violations. The system applies in principle to riders aged 16 and over. Using a smartphone while cycling costs ¥12,000, and running a red light ¥6,000. Sidewalk cycling is permitted only under specific exceptions.
What Changes in April 2026?
According to the National Police Agency (NPA)'s 2024 Road Traffic Law amendment, from April 1, 2026 blue tickets (administrative fines) will apply nationwide to bicycle traffic violations. The aim is to correct minor violations—previously handled mainly by warnings or red tickets (criminal proceedings)—simply and swiftly through fines.
What Is a Blue Ticket?
A blue ticket is a violation notice for minor traffic offenses. If you pay the fine within about 7 days of notification, the case does not move to criminal proceedings and no criminal record is created. Paying on time prevents escalation to criminal proceedings, which is what can affect visa renewals for foreign residents.
For detailed mechanisms and step-by-step procedures, see our detailed guide.
Which Bicycle Violations Incur Fines?
According to NPA materials, 113 violations are covered. Typical amounts range from ¥3,000–12,000. Start with these common examples
| Violation Example | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Smartphone use while riding (distracted riding) | ¥12,000 |
| Running red lights, riding against traffic, traffic-lane violations | ¥6,000 |
| Entering a railroad crossing while the barrier is down | ¥7,000 |
| Failure to stop at a stop sign | ¥5,000 |
| Riding without lights, umbrella use, earphones (safety-impairing conditions) | ¥5,000 |
| Riding double / riding abreast | ¥3,000 |
Note: Drunk riding and extremely dangerous behavior are handled by red tickets (criminal proceedings), not blue tickets.
Key Points for Violation Prevention
Looking at the violations above, smartphone use while riding has the highest fine (¥12,000). Using a phone while riding is a major violation. A handlebar-mounted phone holder lets you check maps while keeping both hands on the bars.
Lamicall Bike Phone Mount (One-touch release)Also, riding without lights (¥5,000) is an enforcement target. Riding without lights at night is ticketed. A USB-rechargeable high-brightness light improves visibility at dusk.
BOSIWO Bike Light (USB rechargeable, high brightness)When Can Bicycles Use Sidewalks?
Bicycles are "light vehicles," so left-side roadway travel is the default. Sidewalk use is permitted when
- Under 13 / over 70 / physical conditions that make roadway travel difficult
- A section is posted with "Bicycle Sidewalk Use Permitted"
- The roadway is objectively extremely dangerous
On sidewalks, pedestrian priority and slow speed (walking pace) are mandatory.
How Do Fine Payments Work?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Deadline | Within about 7 days of notification |
| Where to Pay | Banks/financial institutions, post offices, convenience stores |
| Amount Range | ¥3,000–12,000 |
| If Unpaid | The case proceeds to criminal proceedings |
- Enforcement policy is "guidance/warning first; blue tickets for malicious or dangerous cases." It's not blanket enforcement.
- Rules are nationwide, but local road signs and markings vary, so always check signage first.
What to Watch in Daily Life
Daily Violation Risks and Countermeasures
- Smartphone and earphone use while riding are top enforcement targets (¥12,000)
- Running red lights / riding against traffic are also priorities (¥6,000)
- Riding with an umbrella in the rain is a violation (¥5,000)
- On sidewalks, keep walking pace and yield to pedestrians
Especially on rainy days, visibility is poor and umbrella riding is extremely dangerous. Riding while holding an umbrella is illegal in Japan. A backpack-friendly rain poncho keeps both hands on the bars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I don't pay the fine?
If you miss the deadline (about 7 days from notification), the case proceeds to criminal proceedings. A criminal record may result, so prompt payment is important.
When can I ride on sidewalks?
There are three exceptions: under 13, over 70, or physical conditions; sections signed "Bicycle Sidewalk Use Permitted"; and objectively dangerous roadway conditions. Even then, walk-pace speed and pedestrian priority are mandatory.
Is English information available for foreign residents?
The NPA is considering expanded multilingual support. Detailed procedural methods are explained in our detailed guide.
What to Do Next
Prepare for the blue ticket system with these steps
- 🚴 Immediate fixes: Stop smartphone use, red-light running, and riding against traffic
- 🛣️ Route check: Confirm sidewalk-use signage along your commute/school route
- 📱 Stay updated: Check your local police website for current enforcement priorities
- 👨👩👧👦 Share: Explain the exception rules to children and older family members
Safety Equipment Preparation
Helmets are strongly recommended ("doryoku-gimu" - strong recommendation under Japanese road rules) and crucial for head protection. Choose a lightweight, well-ventilated model.
Summary
The blue ticket system puts a financial brake on dangerous behavior. First, stop smartphone use / red-light running / riding against traffic, and learn the sidewalk exceptions and etiquette.
More on procedures and system details: Blue Ticket System Detailed Guide.