Published on 2024-11-01
New Penalties for Dangerous Bicycle Riding
Amendment to the Road Traffic Act – Effective November 1, 2024
Due to the increasing number of traffic accidents caused by the use of mobile phones while cycling, and the high rate of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from cycling under the influence of alcohol, new penalty provisions have been established to help prevent such accidents.
Using a Smartphone While Riding
It is now prohibited to use a smartphone or similar device while riding a bicycle, such as holding the phone in your hand to talk and looking intently at the screen while riding. These actions are now punishable offenses. However, using a phone while the bicycle is stopped is not subject to penalties.
Penalties:
Up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 yen
If it causes a traffic hazard:
Up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of up to 300,000 yen
Using Smartphone while Riding[PDF：834KB]
Riding Under the Influence of Alcohol & Assistance
In addition to penalties for riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol, new penalties have also been established for providing alcohol to cyclists, riding together with someone under the influence, and lending a bicycle to someone under the influence.
Penalties:
Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 yen
Penalty for person who lent the bicycle:
Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 yen
Penalty for person who provided alcohol or rode with the cyclist:
Up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 300,000 yen
Subject to Mandatory Bicycle Rider Safety Course
Both "using a smartphone while riding" and "riding under the influence of alcohol" are considered dangerous behaviors and are subject to the Bicycle Rider Safety Course System. This system requires repeat violators of certain dangerous cycling behaviors to attend a mandatory safety course.
EN 
JA