Cyclists are taking to social media to complain about the ambiguity of new traffic regulations, some of which give police leeway to call violations on a case-by-case basis.
To curb bike-related accidents, a revised traffic law that took effect Monday obliges cyclists aged 14 or older who are caught committing certain traffic violations twice or more in a three-year period to attend a safety seminar. If they refuse to attend the seminar, they face a fine of up to ¥50,000.
Obvious traffic violations such as ignoring traffic lights and stop signs, drunk biking and trespassing on railway crossings are clear cut. But in some instances, riders may also run into trouble if they cause an accident while using cellphones or earphones.