Japan Gears Up to Fine Rule-Breaking Cyclists
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TOKYO — April 30,2025 —
Starting April 1,2026,Japan will begin issuing fines to rule-breaking cyclists. The new regulations, aimed at curbing accidents, cover various violations, including using mobile phones and ignoring traffic signals. This change comes in response to an increased number of accidents associated with bicycle commuting. Experts say that these new rules will help enforce traffic laws and decrease the number of bicycle accidents. For more details,see the Kyodo News podcast.
Japan Gears Up to Fine Rule-Breaking Cyclists
Published April 30, 2025
New Penalties for Cyclists Starting in 2026
Japan is set to implement stricter rules for cyclists, with fines being introduced for minor traffic violations starting April 1, 2026 [[1]]. this move comes as authorities respond to an increase in accidents coinciding with a surge in bicycle commuting [[3]].
What Violations Will Be Fined?
- Using a mobile phone while riding a bicycle [[1]]
- Ignoring traffic lights [[1]]
- Other minor traffic violations
The revised road traffic law will allow police to issue fines to individuals aged 16 and older who commit these violations [[1]].
Why the Change?
The increase in bicycle commuting, partly spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, has led to a rise in accidents [[3]]. The new law is intended to address this issue by holding cyclists accountable for their actions.
Learn More in the Kyodo News Podcast
For a deeper dive into this topic, check out the Kyodo News bilingual podcast, English World
.This episode features a discussion on the new fines, changes in cycling habits since the pandemic, and a comparison of cycling rules in different countries.
Explore other episodes for insights into news writing and translating Japanese phrases into English:
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do the new fines take effect?
- April 1, 2026.
- Who will be fined?
- Individuals aged 16 and older.
- What violations will be fined?
- Minor traffic violations such as using a mobile phone or ignoring traffic lights.
