From April 2026, police issue on-the-spot fines (青切符) for cycling violations. This applies to tourists too. Browse all 15 violations or search for a specific behavior.
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New Law: Effective April 1, 2026
Japan introduced 青切符 (summary fines) for cyclists. Previously only warnings were issued. Now all violations result in an on-the-spot fine paid in cash to the officer. Language is not a valid defense.
15 violations shown
✗
Using a phone while riding
携帯電話使用等（保持）
¥12,000
Holding or using a phone while riding a bicycle.
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✗
Entering a railroad crossing after the barrier is down
遮断踏切立ち入り
¥7,000
Entering a railway crossing after the gate/barrier has started to come down or is down.
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✗
Running a red light
信号無視
¥6,000
Ignoring a traffic signal while riding.
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✗
Unsafe riding / breach of safe riding duty
安全運転義務違反
¥6,000
Riding in a way that fails the basic duty to operate safely.
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✗
Wrong-way riding / riding on the right side of the road
通行区分違反（逆行等）
¥6,000
Riding against traffic or otherwise violating lane/side allocation rules.
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⚠
Improper sidewalk riding
通行区分違反（歩道通行等）
¥6,000
Improper sidewalk riding that breaches lane/space allocation rules.
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✗
Failing to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk
横断歩行者等妨害等
¥6,000
Blocking, endangering, or failing to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk.
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✗
Failing to stop at a designated stop
指定場所一時不停止等
¥5,000
Failing to stop where a full stop is required.
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⚠
Riding without lights at night
無灯火
¥5,000
Using a bicycle at night without required lighting.
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✗
Riding a bicycle with defective brakes
制動装置不良自転車運転
¥5,000
Using a bicycle whose braking equipment is defective.
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⚠
Parallel riding / riding side by side
並進禁止違反
¥3,000
Riding side by side where parallel riding is prohibited.
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⚠
Carrying a passenger or violating load/passenger limits
制限外乗車・積載違反
¥3,000
Carrying a passenger or load in a way that breaches bicycle passenger/load rules.
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⚠
Entering a no-entry / traffic-restricted road
通行禁止違反
¥5,000
Entering a road or direction restricted to bicycle traffic.
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⚠
Riding with an umbrella
傘差し運転
¥5,000
Riding while holding or using an umbrella.
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⚠
Riding while using headphones / earphones
イヤホン等使用
¥5,000
Using headphones or earphones while riding in a way covered by local safety rules.
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🏛️ Data: 警察庁 (National Police Agency) · Applies from April 1, 2026 · Ages 16+
Stay safe on a bike in Japan
Do I need to ride on the road or the pavement?↓
In Japan, cyclists must ride on the road by default. However, you are permitted to ride on the pavement (sidewalk) where there is a blue bicycle symbol sign. Children under 13, the elderly, and those with disabilities may always use the pavement.
Are helmets required?↓
Helmets are strongly recommended but not legally mandatory for adults. However, children under 13 must wear a helmet. From 2023, all cyclists are encouraged by law to wear helmets — failure to do so is not fined but is officially discouraged.
Can I ride a rental bike on the pavement?↓
Same rules apply to rental bikes and shared bikes (e.g., LUUP, Hello Cycling). Always check for the blue bicycle symbol before riding on a pavement. Most tourist-heavy areas have shared-use paths.
What if I cannot pay the fine on the spot?↓
Officers may take your personal details. As a tourist you are unlikely to be detained, but refusing to cooperate or providing false details is a more serious offense. It is strongly advised to carry some cash at all times in Japan.