Changes to bicycle law enforcement from 2026

Living in Japan as an expat often means adapting to a new set of rules...some cultural, some bureaucratic, and sometimes, traffic-related. Starting from April 1st next year, cyclists in Japan (including foreigners and residents alike) will face new fines for traffic violations under a system being rolled out by the National Police Agency.

Japan treats bicycles as vehicles, and under this updated system, cyclists will now be subject to monetary penalties for a wide range of infractions. If you're over 16 and ride a bike in Japan, this applies to you.

The trusty mamachari, an economical way of getting around here...as long as you're aware of the rules!

Some of the most common violations (like using your smartphone while cycling) will cost you 12,000 yen (about $85 USD). Running a red light or riding on the wrong side of the road? That's a 6,000 yen fine. Riding double or side by side will be penalized 3,000 yen.

Until now, these kinds of offenses were usually met with a warning or, in serious cases, a red ticket that went through the legal system. But from next year, police will start issuing "blue tickets" for these minor violations. Pay the fine, and that's the end of it, with no criminal record. Ignore it, and it may escalate.

For those of us who bike daily, whether to the station to utilize another method of transport, to work, to run errands, or even just for leisure, this feels like a pretty big shift. Especially for those of us trying to save money, bikes are a low-cost, efficient way to get around. These upcoming changes could make those small savings disappear pretty quickly if you're not aware of them.

Of course, the spirit of the law is about safety. The number of cyclist-related accidents hasn't dropped much in recent years, and the police say they're targeting "malicious or dangerous" behavior as opposed to casual mistakes. But in practice, it's hard to know where the line will be drawn, especially if enforcement ramps up ahead of the 2026 launch.

If you're an expat in Japan who rides a bike regularly, now's a good time to brush up on the rules. Ride on the left, stay off your phone, and maybe think twice before cycling two-up with your child or friend, even if everyone else seems to be doing it. Better to spend that money on something fun than on a fine you didn't see coming!