Tokyo police have conducted roadside checks on drivers of mopeds — two-wheeled vehicles equipped with both pedals and electric motors — in a bid to prevent traffic violations and accidents.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department carried out the checks on Monday on streets in Nakano Ward.
Mopeds and similar vehicles, which are easily mistaken for bicycles, require a driver’s license and are classified as motorbikes under Japan’s Road Traffic Act even when used in pedal mode.
Police carried out the checks due to numerous traffic violations, including riding without a license and failing to wear a helmet.
Officers began pulling drivers over in Nakano Ward from around noon and inspected their vehicles to determine whether they were mopeds.
Over about 90 minutes, three riders — all foreign nationals — were cited for violations such as riding without a license and riding on the sidewalk.
According to the department, there were 16 cases involving mopeds in Tokyo last year under the category of accidents resulting in deaths or injuries. Police also recorded 1,129 violations, including riding without a license plate and not wearing a helmet. Recently, cases involving foreign food-delivery workers have been particularly noticeable.
Tokyo police traffic official Gonda Yohei said the department is working with embassies to raise awareness, as some foreign residents ride mopeds without knowing they need a license. He said mopeds are classified as motorcycles that require a license, and the department wants people to understand the rules and help prevent accidents.
AloJapan.com