The “relaxation of restrictions on electric scooters” that had previously caused polarized reactions in Japanese society has come to the stage where it will be officially introduced and implemented. The Japanese National Police Agency recently announced the details of the revision of the Road Traffic Law, and the Japanese government also began to solicit public opinions on January 20, 2023. If there are no accidents, the revision of the law is expected to be officially launched in July.
It is obviously a means of transportation with a power mechanism rather than human power, but it does not require a driver’s license and helmet, nor does it have a rearview mirror or a speedometer. Even the fines for violations are the same as for bicycles. Compared with the original payment for cars below 50cc, electric scooters have received significant preferential treatment in this amendment.
Newly set up “specific down payment” and “special down payment” dual levels, and the current down payment level will be changed to “general down payment”!
On January 19, 2023, the Police Agency announced the details of the Road Traffic Law Amendment, which includes the relaxation of restrictions on electric scooters, and is expected to be officially implemented on July 1.
All in all, it was a pretty bold move to loosen many of the existing constraints. Electric scooters with a top speed of less than 20km/h, etc., and small means of transportation with their own power sources, are included in the new category of “specific small prime mover with self-rotating vehicle” (hereinafter referred to as “specific original payment”). You don’t need a driver’s license, you can drive as long as you are over 16 years old, and wearing a helmet is classified as an obligation of hard work, even if you don’t wear it, it is not illegal.
The body size requirements for this class are that the total length is less than 190cm and the width is less than 60cm, and it must have a specific original license plate and apply for compulsory insurance. Although the car must be equipped with brakes and turn signals that meet Japanese security standards, rearview mirrors and speedometers are not required. As an alternative to the speedometer, the car must have a speed light that flashes green.
The range that can be legally driven is the same as that of bicycles, which are general lanes and bicycle lanes.
Regarding right turns (equivalent to left turns in left-hand drive countries), it is the same as “light vehicles” such as bicycles. In other words, a two-stage right turn is required, just like the current original payment grade.
In addition, a new classification of “Special Specific Small Prime Motivation Vehicles” (hereinafter referred to as “Special Specific Prime Motors”) has been newly established. This vehicle is limited to a top speed of 66km/h and can drive on sidewalks where bicycles pass. The green top speed light must be flashing.
In addition, electric scooters with a maximum speed of more than 20km/h also need to obtain a driver’s license and wear a helmet. In the current regulations, the first class of original payment (below 50cc) is called “general prime mover self-rotating vehicle (general original payment)” by the new amendment.
Post time: Apr-05-2023