Illustrative photo of police officers speaking to a cyclist in Tokyo. - Photo: Yomiuri Shimbun file
TOKYO: (Bernama-Kyodo) Japan decided on Friday (Aug 30) to implement its revised Road Traffic Act on November 1, introducing prison terms and fines for those cycling under the influence of alcohol or posing a danger to traffic by using a mobile phone while on their bicycle, Kyodo News Agency reported.
The government also decided to enable police to order repeat offenders to take a mandatory course on cycling safety, a measure expected to take effect on the same day.
If convicted, those found cycling while using a phone could face a prison term of up to six months or a fine of 100,000 yen (US$690). If they pose a danger to pedestrians or traffic, they could face a prison term of up to one year or a fine of 300,000 yen.
Those convicted of cycling above the established road alcohol driving limit could face a term of up to three years in prison or a 500,000 yen fine. - Bernama-Kyodo
