An article in the Mainichi Daily News says that the police in Japan are taking advantage of new laws in an attempt to pull the reins on the "bosozoku biker gangs" that roam the country. Apparently these gangs don't cause much physical harm, but are more of a nuisance with their late-night rides, their loud mufflers, and hogging up Japan's narrow streets.

Previously, police really didn't have the power to do much about bikers zig-zagging on city streets, or blocking road ways. But now, they have a new law where if you're suspected of being in a biker gang, you can be arrested on the spot.

Geez! So that does that mean if a H.O.G. rider is seen riding around with a club emblem on his jacket, that he can be arrested on the spot?

It's get worse though:

It's not the only new tool in the police arsenal that helps them combat bikers. Cops will also be armed with paintball rifles, nail guns to shoot out tires and can now use unmarked Black Wing motorcycles to keep watch on the roads. A whopping force of 250 road patrol cops conducted a special training session on Oct. 19 in anticipation of the crackdown on bikers.

Labels: Bosozoku Biker Gangs, Japan, Motorcycle Clubs