Traffic violations committed on a bicycle do not add demerit points to a person's driver's license. However, the traffic law allows prefectural public safety commissions to issue suspensions of up to six months when they deem a violator is likely to cause significant danger if driving a motor vehicle.
Under the revised law, cyclists, like motorists, face criminal penalties if their breath alcohol concentration measures 0.15 milligrams or more per liter. The penalties are the same as for motorists: up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen (about $3,100).
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260319/p2a/00m/0na/041000c
5 Comments
Wasn’t aware but it seems like police are really cracking down on cyclists. Coming April, cycling laws are going to get stricter. There’s probably is going to be more tickets being handed out. I’m seeing all these cyclist not stopping at stop lights and using their mobile phone while cycling.
Wish they would up their motorist game. Why do cops not patrol in Japan? It’s why people run red lights and speed all the time here.
I hope they start checking more on drivers on phones too, because the amount of times I’ve seen cars holding up traffic because the driver is looking the phone and not looking forwards is increasing by the day…
Good, what about the nuts playing on IG while staring downwards crossing an intersection, or a parking lot 人口／出る口？
Can they please start cracking down on drivers watching TV, eating, smoking, on phones, failing to wear seat belts, kids bouncing about all over the car etc