Please Follow Bicycle Traffic Rules（自転車の交通ルールを守りましょう）

Due to revisions to the Road Traffic Act, a traffic violation notification system for bicycles (commonly known as the ‘blue ticket’ system) will be introduced and will come into effect on April 1, 2026. This system applies to individuals aged 16 and over.（道路交通法の改正により、自転車の交通違反に対する反則通告制度、いわゆる青切符制度が導入され、令和8年4月1日から施行されます。）

What is the Traffic Violation Notification System (blue tickets)?（反則通告制度(青切符)とは）

This system applies to relatively minor violations of the Road Traffic Act, such as ignoring traffic signals or failing to stop at designated locations, that can be confirmed on the spot by a police officer. If the offender pays the prescribed fine, no criminal penalty will be imposed.

However, serious violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while intoxicated, or dangerous driving such as aggressive or obstructive behavior (road rage) will continue to be handled under the ‘red ticket’ system, which carries criminal penalties.

For detailed rules, please refer to the Bicycle Rules Book published by the National Police Agency:

Penalties for using smartphones while riding a bicycle will be strengthened from November!（11月から自転車の「ながらスマホ」の罰則強化！）

Starting in November 2024, the Road Traffic Act will prohibit the use of smartphones while riding a bicycle, except when the bicycle is stopped, and penalties will be strengthened. In addition to looking at the screen of a smartphone held in your hand, looking at the screen of a smartphone attached to a bicycle will also be prohibited.

Prohibited acts（禁止事項）

• Talking on a smartphone while riding a bicycle (except when using a hands-free device).
• Looking at a screen displayed on a smartphone while riding a bicycle.

Both of these prohibited acts do not apply when the bicycle is stopped.

Current penalties（現行の罰則内容）

Fine of up to 50,000 yen

Penalties from November 2024（2024年11月からの罰則内容）

• Using a smartphone while riding a bicycle: Imprisonment of up to 6 months or a fine of up to 100,000 yen
• Creating a traffic hazard, such as causing a traffic accident, by using a smartphone while riding a bicycle: Imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen

To protect yourself and those around you from bicycle accidents, please review the rules regarding riding a bicycle.

Inquiries

Crisis Management Division  (Kikikanri-ka, 危機管理課): 082-420-0400
Location: 3F Main building