This cyclist stopped to send a message with his smartphone. This will be the practice to adopt from now on in Japan where it will be expensive to use your machine while driving a two-wheeler (Illustrative photo).
Photo: KEYSTONE/EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW
Using your cell phone while cycling is now punishable by a six-month prison sentence in Japan, according to a new rule that came into force on Friday.
Cyclists who deviate from this revision of the road traffic law could be punished with a maximum of six months in prison or a fine of up to 100,000 yen (a little over 600 euros).
‘Making a call with a smartphone in your hand while pedaling, or looking at the screen, is now prohibited and subject to punishment’, we can see written on the leaflets of the National Police Agency.
Some accidents caused by cyclists looking at their screen have already killed pedestrians according to the government.
Although the number of road accidents is declining in Japan, those involving cyclists are on the rise.
Unlike many countries, cycling on the sidewalk is common, and permitted, in Japan.
According to the new rule, driving while drunk can also penalize the cyclist with up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen (3,013 euros)
Those who offer alcoholic drinks to cyclists will face up to two years in prison or have to pay a fine of up to 300,000 yen (1,808 euros)
/ATS
World
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