Japan Introduces Tough Penalties for Cyclists Using Mobile Phones

Tue Sep 23 2025 13:51:39 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

New road traffic regulations in Japan impose serious consequences on cyclists distracted by mobile devices, aiming to improve road safety.

Following a significant rise in cycling accidents during the pandemic, Japan has enacted strict laws that penalize cyclists for using mobile phones while riding. Offenders may face up to six months in prison and hefty fines. Additionally, intoxicated cyclists now face severe penalties as part of broader initiatives to enhance traffic safety.

Cycling has surged in popularity across Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting authorities to react to a doubling of accidents associated with cyclists. Under recently implemented changes to road traffic laws, cyclists who are caught using mobile phones while riding could be sentenced to a maximum of six months in prison or fined up to 100,000 yen (approximately $655 or £508).

The surge in bicycle usage has led to a worrying increase in accidents since 2021, mostly due to individuals opting for bicycles over crowded public transport. In response to this crisis, officials are keen to introduce measures that will enhance safety on the roads.

Alongside threats for mobile phone usage, the new regulations also specify stringent penalties for cyclists riding under the influence of alcohol, with potential prison sentences of up to three years or fines that can reach 500,000 yen ($3,278; £2,541). Just hours after the new laws took effect in Osaka, five violations were reported, showcasing a mix of phone usage and alcohol-related incidents, including a collision between two cyclists. Fortunately, there were no injuries from this accident.

Recent statistics reveal that over 72,000 bicycle accidents occurred in Japan during 2023, contributing to more than 20% of total traffic accidents nationwide. Alarmingly, during the first half of 2024, one fatality and 17 serious injuries related to phone use while cycling were recorded, marking a significant rise since the data collection began in 2007.

Previous years revealed a troubling trend, with 454 accidents attributed to cyclists engaged with their phones from 2018 to 2022, reflecting a 50% increase compared to the prior five-year period.

The enactment of these laws is part of a larger movement aimed at enhancing safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Helmet usage was made mandatory for riders last year, and additional legislation passed in May empowers police to issue fines for various traffic violations by cyclists, signaling a decisive shift towards stricter enforcement and heightened awareness of road safety in Japan.