Overview
- The nationwide “blue ticket” system, which took effect Wednesday, lets police fine cyclists on the spot for minor traffic violations.
- The rules cover riders 16 and older and list 113 offenses with fines from ¥3,000 to ¥12,000, including ¥12,000 for phone use and ¥6,000 for running a red light or riding the wrong way.
- Police usually warn first, but high-risk conduct can bring an immediate ticket, while 24 serious offenses such as reckless or drunken riding draw red tickets that trigger investigations.
- Tickets show the fine, riders confirm details at a police station, and payment can be made at banks or post offices, with nonpayment exposing offenders to criminal charges.
- The push follows police data showing 70%–80% of bicycle deaths involve violations, and an awareness drive tied to the spring traffic safety campaign runs through April 15.