So I rode my motorcycle from Utsunomiya to Shinjuku . When I arrived I. Shinjuku I started looking for an official motorcycle parking place. I accidentally turned onto a one way street and the police were on the other side. They pulled me over and asked me some questions and for identification. I explained to them calmly in Japanese that it was an accident and it was my first time riding my motorcycle in the Tokyo area so I’m not used to the tight streets and corners. They said something along the lines of “this time it’s okay because you didn’t know but you can’t ride on a one way street, it’s dangerous and illegal.” I agreed calmly and then explained why I was in Shinjuku in the first place. Just a day stroll through the gardens and to meet up with some friends. The other officer was busy taking my license information down and then I got searched for dangerous items. I didn’t mind complying because they were quite nice and we even had a decent conversation about life in Japan.
But the encounter ended with them giving me directions to the motorcycle parking lot and sending me on my way. I didn’t get a ticket but they still took my information. Am I on a list or something now?
13 comments
No, it’s just for their reports and paperwork.
You’re fine, no harm no foul.
No, if you got a ticket, you would know. I think they just took down some statistics like how many vehicles per day screw up here at this intersection and if it exceeds an amount, they might improve the street signage. Your DL info is just to ensure accuracy.
You’re on a list but a pretty harmless one unless you’re back tomorrow going the wrong way on the same one-way road.
The police are for the most part are very decent people as long you comply
What happened? You got very lucky and ran into very lenient cops. They completely had you dead to rights committing a traffic violation and you didn’t get a ticket. You’re not on a list.
Not likely, but always be polite to the cops just in case. They have a quota to fill and you happened to turn up at the right time.
Yes you’re on the list. That’s how NHK guys are recruited.
A clipboard and some flyers will be delivered to your address very soon.
They may have quite a lot of people making that same mistake. The cops near my house like to stake out a particular pedestrian crossing that everyone fails to stop at. I don’t think most of the drivers are getting tickets, but just a stern talking to.
That “decent conversation about life in Japan” had an ulterior motive (I guess you know what it is now).
It counts towards their daily quote (source: dated a cop here)
Edit: quota* not quote
They always take notes when they stop anyone – I expect it is decent policing… but have no idea!
Any way, nothing at all to worry about.
You weren’t on a bicycle so its fine. It’s not like you were doing anything dangerous.
Dam lucky first time that happened to me I got a 7000 fine.
Not too bad but still sucks, went in the same trap first time driving in Tokyo way back qq
I have had my share of traffic cops interactions in Japan – shirobai cops have been lenient to me, both times for speeding (+20km/over in city). I just nodded and agreed, and they let me go in both cases.
One time I was going to the koban to report lost keys. Koban was located was on the corner of an intersection. I stopped with my bike at the red light, but then (stupidly) turned left on the pavement, to park the bike next to the police station. Cop jumped out happily, pointing at the red light and writing me a ticket for 2 points.