Kanagawa Updates (Jun. 2026)

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Ride Your Bike Safely! 

Do you know that bicycle traffic violations are subject to a fine starting on April 1, 2026?  Traffic Violation Notification System has been introduced to bicycles, just like cars.  If you commit a traffic violation and receive a violation notice, or so-called “blue ticket,” you must pay the penalty.  The rule is applicable to foreign nationals living in Japan as well as international visitors to Japan.  

 

May was designated as Bicycle Manners Awareness Month of nine prefectures and cities, which include prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa and Tokyo and cities of Yokohama, Kawasaki, Chiba, Saitama and Sagamihara.  With the slogan of “When you ride a bike, it’s considered you are driving a vehicle,” participants joined the street campaign calling for compliance with bicycle rules and manner up.   

For example, the following violations are subject to a fine. 
 - If you hold an umbrella or use earphones while riding, a fine of 
   \5,000 is imposed. 
 - If you ride double on a bike, or ride bicycle side by side, a fine of 
   \3,000 is imposed.
 - If you fail to stop at a stop line, a fine of \5,000 is imposed.
 - If you use your cellphone while riding, a fine of \12,000 is imposed.

Foreign residents and visitors should pay particular attention to the following rules.
 - Ride on the roadway in principle and keep to the left.  
   When riding on the sidewalk, give way to pedestrians.
 -  At an intersection, obey traffic lights and stop signs.  
    Check your surroundings for safety．
 - Turn the light on at night.  
   Riding without lights is a violation of traffic laws.
 - Do not ride under the influence of alcohol.  
   Drunk riding is a serious traffic violation. 
 - Wear a helmet. 

Kanagawa Prefectural Government made a rule book explaining cycling rules in simple terms.  In addition to Japanese, it is also available in English, Chinese and Vietnamese.  You can download them from the link below. 
https://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/docs/f5g/cnt/f7110/bicycle.html　

When you ride a bicycle, it is considered a vehicle.  Please be more careful than ever to follow the traffic rules with a sense of responsibility.