5. Riding Bicycles
Share on:
Bicycle Theft Prevention Registration
In Japan, to prevent theft all bicycles must be registered under relevant procedures. After purchase, please complete the anti-theft registration procedures at the store where you bought the bicycle. If you receive a used bicycle from a friend, acquaintance, etc., check whether it has already been registered. If it has, you must confirm the original owner’s name, address, date of birth, and registration number, and then update the registration at a police station.
Liability Insurance for Bicycle Use
As of June 2021, all cyclists in Oita Prefecture are required to enroll in liability insurance. If you plan to ride a bicycle, make sure to complete all necessary insurance enrollment procedures.
Helmet Safety
In accordance with revisions to Japan’s Road Traffic Act, all cyclists are now strongly encouraged to wear helmets. For your own safety, please wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.
Cycling while Using a Cellphone
In accordance with revisions to the Road Traffic Act, penalties for using a cellphone while riding a bicycle, also known as “distracted cycling”, have been strengthened. If you’re caught using a cellphone while cycling, you may face the following penalties:
- Up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 100,000 yen.
- If the distracted cycling causes a traffic accident or otherwise creates a dangerous situation: Up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.
Cycling Under the Influence of Alcohol
The revised Road Traffic Act also introduced new penalties for riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol. If you ride a bicycle while intoxicated, you may face the following penalties:
- Cycling under the influence: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 500,000 yen
- If you provide a bicycle to someone who is likely to ride while intoxicated, and they do so: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 500,000 yen
Source: Liberal Democratic Party: “Stricter Penalties for Cellphone Use while Cycling”
