Background
Collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles have become a serious safety issue in Japan. Among bicycle-related traffic accidents, incidents involving motor vehicles account for a large proportion — particularly contact accidents during overtaking.
Many Western countries already mandate minimum lateral clearance when motor vehicles pass cyclists (France: 1.5m, Germany: 1.5m, UK: 1.5m). Growing calls for similar regulations in Japan led to the 2024 amendment of the Road Traffic Act (Act No. 55 of 2024), which took effect on April 1, 2026.
New Rules for Motor Vehicles
Under the revised Article 18 of the Road Traffic Act, motor vehicles passing to the right of cyclists (including bicycles, specified small motorized vehicles, and light vehicles) must now comply with the following obligations:
| Obligation | Details |
|---|---|
| Maintain sufficient clearance | Leave adequate lateral distance when passing a cyclist |
| Reduce speed if clearance is insufficient | Slow to a safe speed when adequate clearance cannot be maintained |
Clearance Guidelines
While the law does not specify exact distances, the National Police Agency recommends:
| Item | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Minimum clearance | At least 1 meter |
| Recommended clearance | 1.5 meters or more preferred |
| Speed when clearance is limited | Approximately 20-30 km/h |
These are guidelines — wider clearance or further speed reduction may be necessary depending on road width, traffic, weather, and cyclist behavior.
Key Point: "Passing" Without Lane Changes Also Covered
Previously, the Road Traffic Act only regulated "overtaking" (involving lane changes). The amendment now also covers passing without lane changes — meaning squeezing past a cyclist within the same lane also requires adequate lateral clearance.
Cyclist Obligations
The amendment also creates new obligations for cyclists. When a motor vehicle is attempting to pass on the right, cyclists must ride as far to the left edge of the road as practicable to facilitate safe passing.
Penalties
For Motor Vehicle Drivers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Criminal penalty | Up to 3 months imprisonment or ¥50,000 fine |
| Demerit points | 2 points |
| On-the-spot fine (standard vehicle) | ¥7,000 |
| On-the-spot fine (large vehicle) | ¥9,000 |
| On-the-spot fine (motorcycle) | ¥6,000 |
For Cyclists
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Criminal penalty | Up to ¥50,000 fine |
| On-the-spot fine | ¥5,000 |
From April 1, 2026, the traffic violation ticket system (blue ticket) now applies to bicycles, meaning cyclists also face monetary penalties for violations.
Legal Liability in Accidents
Impact on Fault Allocation
If a motor vehicle causes an accident by passing a cyclist without sufficient clearance, the driver's share of fault is expected to be significantly higher. Where the legal obligation is clearly violated, 80-100% fault may be attributed to the driver.
Damages Available to Injured Cyclists
- Medical expenses: Full reimbursement of treatment costs
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery
- Pain and suffering: Consolation payments for hospitalization, treatment, and disability
- Future earnings loss: Compensation for reduced earning capacity due to lasting disability
Practical Advice
For Drivers
- Do not force an overtake on narrow roads — wait behind the cyclist if clearance is insufficient
- Slow to 20-30 km/h when passing distance is under 1 meter
- Use visual confirmation, not just mirrors, to gauge distance
- Exercise extra caution in bad weather, as cyclists are more likely to wobble
For Cyclists
- Ride along the left edge of the road to facilitate safe passing
- Avoid wobbly riding — never use earphones or smartphones while cycling
- Develop the habit of checking behind you for approaching vehicles
- Wear a helmet with the chin strap properly fastened (mandatory from April 2026)
If You Are Involved in an Accident
If you are struck by a vehicle that passed too closely, report to police immediately. The new law makes driver obligations clear, strengthening victims' ability to assert their rights. If you are unsure how to proceed after an accident, consult a lawyer experienced in traffic accident cases.
