Japan's new law tackles phone use while cycling

Japan has announced a new law to tighten the punishments and rules for cyclists.

Under the new law, if a cyclist uses their mobile phones, including calls, texts, or even just looking at it, they could face a maximum sentence of six months in prison, or a fine of up to 100,000 yen. (£508) Before this, cyclists were punished for using a mobile phone while cycling according to the rules of the local public safety commissions. This saw fines of up to 50,000 yen. (£252)

Where a cyclist causes an accident as a result of using their phone while cycling could see them now face a prison sentence of up to one year, or a fine of up to 300,000 yen. (£1,500). 

Separate from mobile phone use, if a cyclist rides under the influence of alcohol, they are now liable to a prison sentence of up to three years in prison, or a fine of up to 500,000 yen. (£2,500) This means the cyclist must have more than 0.15milligrams of alcohol per litre of breath provided when required.

Shortly following the change of law, Osake police announced that they had already issued a ticket to a cyclist under the influence of alcohol, and have been investigating six other cases relating to the new rules. 

This law change was expected following statistics recorded in Japan in 2023 which stated over 72,000 bicycle accidents occurred, and accounted for over 20% of country-wide traffic accidents that year. As well as this, in the first six months of 2024, bicycle accidents saw one fatality, as well as 17 serious injuries as a result of mobile phone use while cycling.