A revised Japanese traffic law took effect Friday, introducing prison terms and fines for cyclists who use their mobile phones or ride while under the influence of alcohol.
People found to have used their mobile phones while cycling face imprisonment of up to six months or fines of 100,000 yen ($650), with prison terms of up to one year or fines of 300,000 yen if they have caused accidents.
Previously, mobile phone use while cycling was punished according to rules set by local public safety commissions, with offenders facing fines of up to 50,000 yen.
Police officers speak to a cyclist in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward on Oct. 25, 2024, about rules regarding using a mobile phone or being under the influence of alcohol while riding. (Kyodo)
The revised Road Traffic Act also strengthened penalties for people who cycle under the influence of alcohol. Riders found with more than 0.15 milligram of alcohol per liter of breath face prison terms of up to three years or fines of 500,000 yen.
Cyclists under the influence of alcohol already faced prison terms of up to five years or fines of 1 million yen if they were deemed unable to ride safely irrespective of their alcohol levels.
There were 295 accidents caused by cyclists using mobile phones between 2013 and 2017, but the number of cases increased by more than 50 percent to 454 in the following five-year period, the National Police Agency said.
An agency official said the rise could be attributable not only to the prevalence of smartphones but the growing variety of video and game content available on them.
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