Japanese cyclists threat going to jail for utilizing a cell phone

Underneath scrutiny: Law enforcement officials checking a bicycle alongside a road within the Shibuya district of central Tokyo, Japan. | Picture credit score: AFP

Cyclists who use a cell phone whereas touring in Japan may resist six months in jail beneath strict new guidelines that got here into impact on Friday (Nov 1, 2024).

Those that violate the revised visitors legislation could be punished with a most of six months in jail or a high-quality of as much as 100,000 yen ($660).

“Making a name with a smartphone in hand whereas biking or wanting on the display is now prohibited and topic to punishment,” says a brochure from the Nationwide Police Company.

In line with the Authorities, some accidents brought on by cyclists screens have induced the loss of life of pedestrians.

Though the whole variety of visitors accidents is reducing in Japan, the proportion involving bicycles is rising.

Not like many different nations, biking on the sidewalk is allowed in usually law-abiding Japan and is frequent.

Underneath the brand new guidelines, using a bicycle whereas intoxicated can land the bike owner as much as three years in jail or a high-quality of as much as 500,000 yen.

Those that provide alcoholic drinks to cyclists resist two years in jail or a high-quality of as much as 300,000 yen.