Stricter penalties for holding a smartphone while riding a bicycle/or while drunk (from November 1, 2024) 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 2024/09/16 Monday Announcements, Security 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 « Medical Interpreter Training 2024 (Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese) Announcement of the National and Local common consultation chatbot (Govbot) » ↑↑ Next Information ↑↑ Medical Interpreter Training 2024 (Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese) 2024/09/16 Monday Announcements, Security 医療通訳育成研修2024の受講者を募集します（スペイン語、ベトナム語、ポルトガル語） Share!FacebookEmailTwitterWhatsApp Medical interpreters are very important in helping foreigners communicate with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals when visiting medical institutions. Participants will learn basic medical knowledge, interpretation techniques, interpretation ethics and the characteristics of in-person and remote interpreting in order to develop themselves into medical interpreters who can be effective immediately. This course is free. Target Languages Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese Eligible People People who meet all of the following conditions Ability to speak at a high level in one of the target languages and Japanese. People who are able to participate in the course exams and all four training sessions. People who can work as medical interpreters in the prefecture. Capacity Approximately 10 participants per language *Only those who have passed the course selection test. Dates and Times (all languages) Course selection test: September 21, 2024 (Saturday), from 9:30 am to 10:30 am *Extra date for the selection test: September 24, 2024 (Tuesday), from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. (The test on September 24 is for those who cannot take the test on September 21) 1st Session: October 6, 2024 (Sunday), 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 2nd Session: November 10, 2024 (Sunday), 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 3rd Session: December 1, 2024 (Sunday), 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 4th Session: December 15, 2024 (Sunday), 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m Place UST Tsu (Tsu-shi Hadokoro-cho 700) How to Apply Folow the step 1) or 2) below (application deadline is September 19). 1) Apply via the application form: https://x.gd/uurdF 2) Apply by sending the application form (PDF flyer at the bottom) by email or fax. Contact for Applications and Inquiries Mie International Exchange Foundation (MIEF) 〒514-0009 Tsu-shi Hadokoro-cho 700 UST Tsu 3F Phone: 059-223-5006 Fax: 059-223-5007 Email: mief@mief.or.jp For details on the training and application, please see this flyer. Share!FacebookEmailTwitterWhatsApp