Police in Japan suspended a total of 896 cyclists’ driving licenses between January and September 2025 after deeming them “also likely to pose a significant danger when driving a car”.

Japanese police have broad powers to suspend driving licenses, but these were previously used against drunk cyclists only twice in the same period in 2024.

The novel approach comes amid a nationwide crackdown on dangerous cycling, with harsh new penalties for drunk cycling introduced last November.

Over 4,500 people were arrested for drunk cycling between November 2024 and June 2025.

A police spokesperson told the Yomiuri Shimbun: “Drunk cycling can lead to serious accidents. Having your driver’s license suspended can majorly affect your life and career.

“I hope everyone will abide by the rule, ‘Don’t drink and ride.’”

As well as penalties for drunk cycling, Japan is set to introduce on-the-spot fines for cycling offences ranging from riding through red lights to cycling while wearing earphones or holding an umbrella.

Officials are seeking to tackle a sharp increase in bicycle collisions in recent years, with over 67,500 recorded in 2024.