Are you familiar with the traffic laws for bicycles in Japan?
There are various traffic rules for bicycles in Japan. In the event of an accident where a violation has occurred, Charichari users will be held personally responsible.
Please ride safely and follow the rules at all times.
Common Traffic Violations
| Item | Description | Penalties (Administrative / Criminal) |
|---|---|---|
| Use of Mobile Phone (Holding a device, causing danger) |
Distracted Riding ・Holding and talking on a smartphone ・Staring at a screen ・Causing an accident due to pedestrian obstruction |
Administrative: 12,000 yen Criminal: Up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 yen Up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of up to 300,000 yen |
| Violation of Prefectural Public Safety Regulations | ・Using headphones (unable to hear surroundings) ・Riding with an umbrella ・Riding while carrying items |
Administrative: 5,000 yen Criminal: Fine of up to 50,000 yen |
| Stop Sign Violation | ・Failure to come to a complete stop at intersections ・Ignoring "Stop" (止まれ) road signs |
Administrative: 5,000 yen Criminal: Up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 yen (Up to 100,000 yen for negligence) |
| Violations of Road Positioning, Lanes, or Sidewalk Safety | Violating rules for "Light Vehicles" ・Riding on the wrong side of the road (right-hand side) ・Riding on sidewalks (unless permitted) ・Ignoring dedicated bicycle lanes |
Administrative: 5,000〜6,000 yen Criminal: Up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 yen, etc. |
| Riding Without Lights | ・Riding at night without turning on the bicycle light | Administrative: 5,000 yen Criminal: Fine of up to 50,000 yen |
| Improper Use of Bell | Ringing the bell unnecessarily ・Ringing to clear pedestrians out of the way ・Dangerous or annoying behavior toward pedestrians ※Excludes emergency situations to prevent danger or where signs instruct to use the bell. |
Administrative: 3,000 yen
|
| Disobeying Traffic Signals | Entering an intersection while ignoring a red light or flashing red light. | Administrative: 5,000〜6,000 yen Criminal: Up to 3 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 yen (Up to 100,000 yen for negligence) |
| Drunk cycling ※Riding Under the Influence Includes riding with a hangover |
Cycling Under the Influence :Riding while intoxicated to the point of being unable to operate the bicycle safely. Cycling while hungover : Riding with a detectable level of alcohol in the body. |
Criminal: Up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 yen |
※If an accident is caused by a traffic violation, your Charichari account may be suspended. Furthermore, you may be ineligible for insurance coverage or compensation programs.
※For more details, please refer to the “Metropolitan Police Department website”. Please follow the police’s instructions regarding applicable items and specific details related to fines and other penalties.
Bike rules and manners
1. Keep left and ride with traffic
Under the Road Traffic Act, bikes are considered "vehicles," so in principle, bikes should ride on the roadway where there is a specific lane between sidewalks and roadways.
However, bikes may pass on sidewalks in the following cases.
- When designated by road signs or road markings
- When the driver is a child under 13 years old, an elderly person over 70 years old, or a disabled person
- When it is unavoidable in view of the roadway or traffic conditions
On sidewalks, drivers must slow down on the portion of the sidewalk closer to the roadway than the center of the sidewalk. Bike users must pause when obstructing pedestrian traffic.
2. Observe traffic signals and pause at intersections to ensure safety
3. Turn on your bike light at night
Bike lights not only illuminate the road ahead, but also serve the purpose of making your presence known earlier. On the Charichari Electric Assist Bike, the lights turn on when you switch the power on, while on the Basic bike, the light turns on automatically according to the surrounding brightness.
※ Riding without lights at night is a legal violation, and the rider will be held responsible. If the light does not work during your pre-ride inspection, please do not use that bike. Instead, please report the issue via the app.
4. Drinking and driving is prohibited
5. Wear a helmet
Under the Road Traffic Act, all bicycle riders are required to make an effort to wear a riding helmet.
When a child under the age of 13 operates a bicycle, please ensure they are wearing a helmet for their safety.
Where an accident occurs while not wearing a helmet, there is a significant risk of fatal or serious head injuries. Charichari strongly recommends wearing a helmet whenever you ride.
In addition to the five rules for safe bike use, the following activities are prohibited by law
- Riding while using a smartphone or listening to music
- Riding a bike with two other riders
- Driving with an umbrella
- Riding side-by-side
Objects getting caught in the bike tires can cause the front wheel to lock, leading to falls and serious accidents. Please refrain from hanging umbrellas on the handlebars or riding in long skirts.
Additionally, to prevent collisions and loss of control, please maintain a safe speed. When braking, apply the left brake (rear wheel) first, or use both brakes in a balanced manner to ensure a stable stop.