Japan’s New Bicycle Laws 2026: Blue Ticket Fines and Rules

Japan's new Blue Ticket system for bicycle riding starts April 1, 2026. Learn the on-the-spot fines for phone use (12,000 yen), wrong-side riding (6,000 yen), and more for cyclists 16+.

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Contents
Stricter Bicycle Rules from April 2026
What is the Blue Ticket?
Main Penalties and Fines

Stricter Bicycle Rules from April 2026

Photo by Pixta— LUUP bicycle

As shared mobility services such as bike-sharing and platforms like Hello Cycling and LUUP grow in popularity in Japan, renting bicycles for sightseeing has become increasingly common.

At the same time, the proportion of traffic accidents involving bicycles has risen. In the past, police measures were limited to verbal warnings and issuing yellow warning notices without fines, which had a limited deterrent effect.

Therefore, from April 2026, the Japanese government will step up enforcement: with the introduction of the Blue Ticket (ao-kippu), police will be able to issue fines in hopes of improving deterrence.

Enforcement Targets

The system applies to riders aged 16 and over (including foreign nationals).

What is the Blue Ticket?

Photo by Pixta

There are two main colors of traffic tickets in Japan: the Blue Ticket and the Red Ticket.

The Red Ticket is issued for serious violations of traffic safety and may lead to criminal proceedings and a criminal record.

The newly introduced Blue Ticket covers minor violations, paying the fine avoids criminal liability, but if you leave the country without paying the fine, you may be denied re-entry next time.

Main Penalties and Fines

Approximately 113 behaviors have been announced as subject to penalties; below are the main and most common rules.

Violation	Fine
Using a mobile phone while riding a bicycle	12,000 yen
Riding while holding an umbrella	5,000 yen
Wearing headphones while riding	5,000 yen
Riding double (two people on one bicycle)	3,000 yen
Ignoring traffic lights	6,000 yen
Failure to come to a full stop	5,000 yen
Riding on the right side (wrong-side riding)	6,000 yen
Obstructing pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk	6,000 yen
Slow riding on sidewalks (obligation to keep pace)	3,000 yen
Riding side-by-side with two or more bicycles	3,000 yen
Not using lights at night	5,000 yen

However, if riding under the influence of alcohol or violating rules that cause a major traffic accident, the case may be handled with a Red Ticket.

Five Rules for Bicycling in Japan

You might think that with so many penalties, it's better not to ride a bike while traveling, but following the five rules below will help you avoid a lot of trouble.

1. As a rule, ride in bicycle lanes and keep to the left; sidewalks are an exception, and pedestrians have priority.

2. Obey traffic signals or come to a complete stop at intersections.

3. Use lights at night.

4. Do not ride after drinking alcohol.

5. Wear a helmet.

Main image courtesy of PIXTA
This article was compiled based on the National Police Agency Bicycle Rules Book Summary.

Written by

MATCHA-NEWS

Let MATCHA share with you the latest information on Japan travel, tourist attractions, food, and entertainment.

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