[My Work] 'Blue Ticket' traffic violation fines for bicycles to start next April [HR Work / HR & Labor Affairs]

It has been decided that the 'blue ticket' enforcement system, which imposes fines for bicycle traffic violations, will start from April 2026.

I read this news.

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According to the news, the National Police Agency has decided to implement the revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement Order, which makes bicycle violations subject to fines, on April 1 of next year and the main penalties and fines are as follows.

1. 'Distracted driving' while using a smartphone: 12,000 yen
2. Ignoring traffic signals, riding against traffic, or riding on sidewalks: 6,000 yen
3. Failing to stop at designated locations: 5,000 yen
4. Failing to move to the left side of the road when being passed by a car: 5,000 yen
5. Riding side-by-side or riding double: 3,000 yen
6. Riding while holding an umbrella or wearing earphones: 5,000 yen
7. Riding a bicycle with faulty brakes: 5,000 yen
8. Riding without lights: 5,000 yen

That is the situation.

And, if you receive a blue ticket, you will be required to pay the fine at a bank or post office within the deadline (within 8 days of issuance) accordingly.

Also, if you do not pay the fine, the case will be changed to criminal proceedings, and there is a possibility that it will go to court as well.

However, if the violation is not dangerous or malicious, it seems that a 'yellow card' may be issued, which is a warning without a fine or criminal penalty.

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Previously, I wrote an article about riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol and distracted driving while using a smartphone, but

taking it a step further, it has been decided that penalties and fines will also be imposed for general dangerous acts while riding a bicycle.

This is likely unavoidable.

Given the current situation where deaths and serious injuries from bicycle accidents caused by 'distracted driving' reached a record high last year, we have moved from a stage of focusing on rider morals to a stricter stage of imposing penalties and fines.

It feels like 'riding while holding an umbrella,' which became strictly regulated a while ago, has decreased significantly, and I think the fact that there are strict penalties for bicycles as well will likely become quite established.

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Also, another thing to keep in mind is that,

if a car passes a bicycle on the right without leaving sufficient space or driving at a safe speed, the driver will be subject to a fine of 7,000 yen (for standard vehicles).

This is also a possibility.

After all, we do see cars passing by bicycles at high speeds.

In addition, this amendment also decided to lower the eligibility age for taking the standard and semi-medium driver's license exams from 18 to 17 years and 6 months, and provisional licenses will be obtainable at 17 years and 6 months.

Since some students enter jobs immediately after graduating high school that require driving a car, I think this is good news for those students.

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Penalties and fines will be imposed for bicycle operation.

It doesn't sound very pleasant when put into words, but it is unlikely to be applied unless the behavior is extremely malicious.

However, if your company uses bicycles for business operations, it is important to conduct regular awareness activities.

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