【悲報】自転車の青切符、もうめちゃくちゃｗｗｗｗｗ
The internet in Japan is in an uproar over the potential introduction of "blue tickets" – minor traffic violation tickets similar to those for cars – for bicycles. With the recent advent of "specified small motorized bicycles" like electric kick scooters, there's widespread confusion about what constitutes a bicycle and which rules apply to which vehicle.
This situation has become incredibly complex and chaotic, leaving many people bewildered by the rapidly changing regulations and the distinctions between various personal mobility devices.
It seems everyone is struggling to understand the boundaries and implications of these new traffic laws.
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Blue Ticket (for bicycles)
A "blue ticket" refers to the traffic violation ticket issued under Japan's "Traffic Infraction Notification System," primarily applied to minor vehicle traffic offenses. This system allows offenders to avoid criminal penalties by paying a fine. Currently, bicycle traffic violations in Japan are not subject to this blue ticket system; all violations are potentially subject to criminal penalties (equivalent to a "red ticket"). This means that even for minor infractions, theoretically, a cyclist could face not just a police warning but also referral to the public prosecutor's office, potentially leading to criminal procedures such as fines or even imprisonment – a key reason why the situation is described as "chaotic."
The debate over introducing blue tickets for bicycles stems from an increase in bicycle-related accidents and growing public concern over dangerous cycling behavior. The aim of introducing a fine system is to enable quick and efficient enforcement for relatively minor violations, similar to cars, thereby enhancing the deterrent effect. However, numerous challenges remain, such as the difficulty in identifying offenders due to the lack of license plates on bicycles, how to apply the system to cyclists who do not require a driver's license, determining fine amounts and payment methods, and the police resources needed to enforce regulations on an estimated 70 million bicycles nationwide. For instance, while violations like ignoring stop signs or traffic lights could currently lead directly to criminal penalties, making enforcement challenging, the blue ticket system is expected to enable more proactive enforcement. Conversely, there are concerns that this could lead to "enforcement for enforcement's sake."
Specified Small Motorized Bicycle
A "specified small motorized bicycle" is a new vehicle category established by the revised Road Traffic Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2023, primarily referring to new electric mobility devices like electric kick scooters. Specifically, it applies to vehicles with a maximum speed of 20 km/h or less, a body size of 190 cm or less in length and 60 cm or less in width, and a rated motor output of 0.6 kW or less. Unlike previous "motorized bicycles," individuals aged 16 and older can operate these vehicles without a driver's license, and helmet use is an "endeavor obligation" (meaning it's recommended but not legally mandatory, except for "special specified small motorized bicycles" which can travel on sidewalks at a maximum speed of 6 km/h, where helmet use is still an endeavor obligation).
One reason this system is described as "chaotic" is its complex positioning. While it resembles a bicycle and offers the convenience of riding without a license, it is legally treated as a "vehicle," with detailed and complex traffic rules governing sidewalk riding conditions, roadway passage rules, and penalties for impaired driving. For example, while basic travel is on the roadway at speeds up to 20 km/h, if the speed is set to 6 km/h or less, sidewalk travel becomes possible, requiring speed limits to be switched depending on the riding location. This complex rule system is difficult for many users to understand and demands new knowledge and judgment criteria from police officers that differ from traditional bicycle or moped enforcement. There are reports of users operating without fully understanding the rules and police officers struggling with on-site judgments, making the reconciliation of traffic safety and convenience an urgent issue.
Road Traffic Act Revisions (Bicycle-related)
Japan's Road Traffic Act has been constantly revised to adapt to changes in society's traffic environment. Particularly, regulations concerning bicycles have undergone significant revisions in recent years, tending towards stricter enforcement in response to an increase in accidents and the social issue of dangerous cycling.
In the past, the "Bicycle Rider Training System" was introduced in 2015, mandating training for cyclists who committed two or more dangerous acts within three years. While this was part of measures against dangerous cycling, its deterrent effect was noted to have limitations. The current discussions on introducing "blue tickets" and the establishment of "specified small motorized bicycles" are also part of these broader revisions to the Road Traffic Act, responding to significant changes in the traffic environment surrounding bicycles. Background factors include increased speeds due to the spread of electric-assist bicycles, increased business use (e.g., food delivery), and a consequent rise in bicycle-related accidents. According to National Police Agency statistics, there are approximately 60,000 bicycle-related accidents annually (as of 2023), with a significant number caused by traffic violations on the part of cyclists.
The purpose of these legal revisions is to ensure strict adherence to traffic rules by bicycle users and reduce accidents. However, as the term "chaotic" suggests, there's a problem with revisions being made in rapid succession or new systems being introduced while on-site implementation and public awareness lag. For instance, despite the mandatory nature of bicycle rider training, attendance rates were low, and its effectiveness was deemed limited. Similarly, with the introduction of specified small motorized bicycles, the new vehicle category is not widely recognized, and many users are operating without understanding the rules. While these legal revisions aim to improve traffic safety, they also create confusion due to existing infrastructure and public understanding not keeping pace.