Japan Police to Consider Cashless Payments for Traffic Fines

The National Police Agency is considering the introduction of cashless payment options for “blue ticket” traffic violation fines, potentially starting as early as July next year. Currently, violators must pay fines at financial institutions such as banks or post offices during weekday business hours, a process that has drawn complaints regarding inconvenience.

The proposed system would allow users to pay via credit cards, internet banking, or code payments through dedicated websites using QR codes printed on the tickets. Additionally, barcode-based payments at convenience stores are being considered. While these digital methods offer greater flexibility, users will likely incur service fees for using third-party payment providers. Traditional window payments at financial institutions will remain an option.

In a separate development regarding traffic enforcement, Excom Global President Seiji Nishimura has raised concerns over improper police enforcement actions. He cited a case in Kodaira, Tokyo, where the Metropolitan Police Department incorrectly enforced traffic rules due to a misunderstanding of railroad crossing stop lines, resulting in 63 people paying fines totaling 468,000 yen over two years. Nishimura noted that similar incidents of improper enforcement have occurred previously, such as in Kanagawa Prefecture, where approximately 2,700 violations were canceled and 35 million yen in fines were to be refunded.