The National Police Agency released its rulebook for cyclists Thursday, detailing violations newly subject to fines, as Japan is set to impose penalties on bicycle riders who commit minor traffic violations starting in April next year.
Traffic offenses that will prompt police to issue tickets for fines on the spot are: talking on the phone or staring at the screen while cycling; riding fixed-gear bicycles without brakes; and railroad crossing violations. The agency stated that the violations will result in immediate consequences without prior warnings because they could cause serious accidents.
Fines will be ¥12,000 ($80) for using a smartphone while riding, ¥5,000 for riding fixed-gear bikes without brakes and ¥6,000 for failing to stop at a railroad crossing, or ¥7,000 for entering a crossing while the barrier is coming down or the alarm is sounding.
New rulebook for cycling in Japan details fines for minor violations
