【2026年4月施行】自転車交通ルール大幅変更！知らないと罰則も – 改正道路交通法の全容

Major Revisions to Japan’s Road Traffic Law for Bicycles Starting April 2026

From April 2026, significant amendments to Japan’s Road Traffic Law regarding bicycles will come into effect. These changes aim to address the increasing number of bicycle-related accidents by enforcing road usage rules and introducing stricter penalties. Here’s what you need to know

Key Points of the Revision

Reinforcement of the Principle that Bicycles Should Travel on Roadways

Under the revised law, the rule that bicycles must travel on the left side of the roadway will be more strictly enforced. Riding on sidewalks will only be permitted in the following exceptional cases:

• Sidewalks designated by road signs
• Children under 13 years old
• Elderly people aged 70 or older
• Physically disabled individuals
• When unavoidable due to road or traffic conditions

The criteria for “unavoidable circumstances” have been clarified to include specific situations such as:

• When the road is too narrow for cars to overtake bicycles safely
• When numerous parked vehicles obstruct the safe passage of bicycles
• When there is heavy traffic of large vehicles posing potential danger

*Note: Enforcement may vary depending on the subjective judgment of police officers.

2. Strengthened Penalties for Violations

Penalties for bicycle traffic violations will be strengthened. Major violations and their fines are as follows:

• Using mobile phones while riding: 12,000 yen (red ticket citation if accident occurs)
• Ignoring traffic signals: 6,000 yen
• Riding without lights: 5,000 yen
• Failure to stop at stop signs: 5,000 yen
• Illegal sidewalk riding: 6,000 yen (when riding on sidewalks not designated for bicycle use)
• Using headphones or holding umbrellas while riding: 5,000 yen
• Riding under the influence of alcohol: Up to 3 years imprisonment or fines up to 1 million yen (strengthened red ticket penalties)

For riding under the influence of alcohol, penalties also apply to those who provide bicycles to intoxicated persons or who serve alcohol to customers knowing they arrived by bicycle.

※Note on Violation Tickets:

• Red Ticket (Red Citation): Issued for serious violations requiring immediate court appearance
• Blue Ticket (Blue Citation): Issued for minor violations that can be resolved by paying a fine

For example, in the case of using mobile phones while cycling:

• If no accident occurs: Blue ticket (¥12,000 fine)
• If an accident occurs: Red ticket (requiring court appearance)

Important: All fines must be paid within 7 days of receiving the ticket. For tourists and temporary visitors, immediate payment may be required.