Summary: Japan has introduced strict new penalties for cyclists using mobile phones or riding under the influence, aiming to curb rising bicycle accidents. Cyclists caught using phones now face up to six months in jail or a 100,000 yen fine ($655; £508), while riding drunk can lead to three years in prison or a 500,000 yen fine ($3,278; £2,541). These rules follow a rise in bicycle accidents, which now account for over 20% of Japan’s traffic incidents, as cycling grew during the pandemic. The measures build on recent laws requiring helmets and imposing fines for cycling violations.
I hope people don’t get pulled over for gaming a navigation app and a phone mount on their handlebars. That would suck.
Imo it’s a waste for police to pull anyone over for this, unless they’re actually a danger to someone. Biking and being on the phone is way safer than driving a 1000 pound battering ram with limited visibility doing the same.