Use mobile phone while cycling in Japan, spend next 6 months in jail

Cyclists using a mobile phone while riding in Japan could face up to six months in jail under strict new rules introduced on Friday reports BBC.

Those who breach the revised road traffic law can be punished with a maximum sentence of six months in prison or a fine of 1,00,000 yen (approximately Rs 55,000).

The number of accidents involving cyclists started climbing in 2021, as more people opted to cycle instead of using public transport during the pandemic, according to local media. Authorities are now racing to regulate riders.

No drinking and cycling

Besides cracking down on phone usage, the new rules also target cyclists riding under the influence of alcohol, with a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine of 5,00,000 yen. 

Hours after the new laws came into effect, Osaka city authorities confirmed that they had already recorded five violations of the new traffic law, including two men who were caught riding bicycles while drunk. While one of the men had collided with another cyclist, no injuries were reported.

Over 72,000 bicycle accidents were recorded in Japan in 2023, accounting for over 20% of all traffic accidents in the country.

In the first half of 2024, there was one fatality and 17 serious injuries from accidents involving cyclists using their phones — the highest number since the police started recording such statistics in 2007.

Between 2018 and 2022 there were 454 accidents caused by cyclists using phones, according to police — a 50% increase from the previous five-year period.

The latest rules come amid a series of safety regulations aimed at protecting the safety of riders and pedestrians.

Last year, authorities made it compulsory for cyclists to wear helmets. In May, Japan’s parliament passed a bill allowing police to fine cyclists for traffic violations.