Jail for those who ride a bike with the help of a phone or drunk

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Cyclists in Japan Now there are severe penalties for using a mobile phone while driving.

On Friday, new rules came into force in accordance with the updated Traffic Law.

According to a flyer released by the National Police, “calling with a smartphone in hand while riding a bicycle or looking at a screen is now prohibited and punishable.”

Those found guilty can face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to ¥100,000.

An increase in incidents involving cyclists is prompting new rules

The government cited accidents due to the fact that cyclists are distracted from the screen, some of whom have even killed pedestrians.

While the overall number of traffic accidents in Japan is decreasing, accidents involving cyclists are increasing.

This is particularly troubling given that in Japan, unlike many other countries, it is common and legal to ride a bicycle on sidewalks.

The new rules also provide for severe penalties for cycling while intoxicated.

Now, drunken cyclists face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to ¥500,000.

In Japan, there are severe penalties for riding a bicycle while intoxicated

The law even applies to those who sell alcohol to cyclists, punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to ¥300,000.

Last year, Japan also made it mandatory for cyclists to wear helmets.

In the first half of 2024, one person died and 17 were seriously injured in incidents involving the use of phones by cyclists, the highest number since police began tracking such figures in 2007.