Announcement of the National and Local common consultation chatbot (Govbot) 国・地方共通相談チャットボット（Govbotガボット）のお知らせ Share!FacebookEmailTwitterWhatsApp 2024/09/17 Tuesday Announcements, Culture and Leisure The government has created a chatbot (Govbot) about Japanese systems. You can read frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) about systems that are often inquired about. In addition to Japanese, it is available in 15 languages (machine translation). You can find out about My Number, child-rearing, medical insurance, pensions, taxes, real estate registration, family registers, and fixed-amount income tax reductions, so please use it. Click here for the chatbot (Govbot) → https://www.govbot.go.jp/#/ Examples of FAQs that can be read How much is the amount of the fixed-amount income tax reduction? I have a child. What procedures are required to receive child allowance? Is there an expiration date for My Number cards? When and how much can I receive my pension? What is the annual income barrier? Who is subject to the forestry environment tax? Click here for Govbot’s flyer (Japanese and English) Share!FacebookEmailTwitterWhatsApp « Stricter penalties for holding a smartphone while riding a bicycle/or while drunk (from November 1, 2024) ↑↑ Next Information ↑↑ Stricter penalties for holding a smartphone while riding a bicycle/or while drunk (from November 1, 2024) 2024/09/17 Tuesday Announcements, Culture and Leisure 自転車のスマホ・酒気帯び運転の罰則強化（2024年11月１日から） Share!FacebookEmailTwitterWhatsApp The Road Traffic Law has been amended, and the rules will change from November 1, 2024. Penalties for dangerous bicycle riding will be stricter. “Holding a smartphone” while rifding a bycycle. Holding a smartphone or other device in your hand and talking or looking at the screen while riding a bicycle is prohibited and subject to penalties. (However, operating a smartphone while stationary on a bicycle is not subject to penalties.) Violators are subject to imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to ¥100,000. Violators are subject to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to ¥300,000 if they cause a traffic hazard. Drunk driving and aiding and abetting The following acts are subject to penalties. Riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol. Offering alcoholic beverages to a cyclist. Offering or lending a bicycle to a person who is under the influence of alcohol. Riding a bicycle while driving under the influence of alcohol. Violators are subject to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to ¥500,000. Violators who provided the bicycle are subject to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to ¥500,000. Violators and passengers who provide alcoholic beverages are subject to imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to ¥300,000. Cyclist training system Anyone who rides a bicycle and repeatedly commits dangerous acts (such as disregarding traffic signals, failing to stop temporarily at a designated place, entering a blocked level crossing, violating safe driving obligations, violating passing zones, etc.) must take a bicycle riders’ course. Failure to comply with the order to participate in the course is subject to a fine of up to 50,000 yen. *People who “ride a bicycle while using a smartphone” or “ride under the influence of alcohol” must also take a bicycle operator’s course. For more information, click here. Inquiries (in Japanese only) Mie-ken Kankyo Seikatsu-bu Kurashi Koutsu Anzen-ka Koutsu Anzen-han (三重県 環境生活部 くらし・交通安全課 交通安全班) Tel: 059-224-2410 Share!FacebookEmailTwitterWhatsApp