Stricter penalties for holding a smartphone while riding a bicycle/or while drunk (from November 1, 2024)

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The Road Traffic Law has been amended, and the rules will change from November 1, 2024. Penalties for dangerous bicycle riding will be stricter.

1. “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.

2. 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.

3. 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