Rules ›

Bicycles and mopeds

This topic checks the rules for bicycles and mopeds (原付) and how drivers share the road with them. In Japan a bicycle is a vehicle: it follows the left-side rule and signals, and the rules for bicycles became stricter in 2024 and 2026.

Key rules

On a road with a sidewalk and a roadway, a bicycle goes on the roadway and rides near the left edge, on the left of the centre line.
A standard bicycle may use the sidewalk only in these cases: a sign or marking allows it, the rider is under 13, 70 or older, or has a physical disability, or the roadway is too dangerous (road works, parked cars, heavy traffic on a narrow road).
On a sidewalk, pedestrians have priority. Ride on the roadway side and slow down so you can stop at once; stop if you would block a pedestrian.
Do not ride on a crosswalk, except when no pedestrian is crossing. If a bicycle crossing is nearby, use it.
Since 2024-11-01, holding a phone or watching its screen while riding a bicycle is punished: up to 6 months in prison or a fine up to 100,000 yen, and up to 1 year or 300,000 yen if it causes danger.
Since 2024-11-01, riding a bicycle after drinking is punished: up to 3 years in prison or a fine up to 500,000 yen. Lending a bicycle to a drinker has the same penalty, and serving alcohol to or riding along with the rider is up to 2 years or 300,000 yen.
Since 2026-04-01, the blue-ticket system (交通反則通告制度) applies to bicycles for riders aged 16 and over: a fine is paid for minor violations. Bicycle violations carry no licence points.
When a car passes a bicycle on its right without enough space, the car must go at a speed that is safe for the gap. The bicycle must keep as far left as it can.
A moped (一般原動機付自転車, 原付) must wear a helmet, carry one person only, never exceed 30 km/h, and cannot use expressways.

Numbers to remember

13 / 70Ages (under 13, 70 or older) at which a standard bicycle may use the sidewalk.

16Minimum age for the bicycle blue ticket.

190 cm x 60 cmMaximum length and width of a standard bicycle (普通自転車) that may use a sidewalk.

30 km/hMaximum speed of a moped (原付), even on roads where cars may go faster.

3 yearsMaximum prison term for riding a bicycle after drinking (fine up to 500,000 yen).

6 monthsMaximum prison term for holding a phone while riding a bicycle (fine up to 100,000 yen).

Common traps

'Bicycles must always use the roadway' or 'may ride on any sidewalk.' Both are wrong: roadway is the rule, with the listed sidewalk exceptions.
'On a sidewalk, the bicycle has priority.' Wrong: pedestrians have priority and the bicycle must go slowly.
'Bicycle violations add points to a driving licence.' Wrong: bicycle violations carry no points, but fines and prison terms can apply.
'A moped follows the speed sign for cars.' Wrong: the moped limit is 30 km/h, and a lower sign limit also applies to it.
'Anyone can be given a blue ticket.' Wrong: it targets riders aged 16 and over. Under 16, police generally give guidance or warnings.

In Japan a bicycle rides on the left side of the roadway like other vehicles, and the sidewalk is the exception, where pedestrians come first. Phone use and alcohol on a bicycle are punished, and cars must leave space when passing.

Try 2 questions

A child under 13 riding a normal bicycle may use the part of the sidewalk nearer to the roadway.

Even when a bicycle crossing is nearby, a bicycle may cross at the crosswalk without dismounting.

Practise this topic Start the free 10-question test →