120,000 Won for Using a Phone, 50,000 Won for Listening to Music... Japan to Introduce Fines for Cyclists

12,000 Won Fine for Using a Smartphone While Cycling
Asahi: "Not All Violations Will Be Penalized"

Photo to aid understanding of the article. Pixabay

Starting as early as April next year, cyclists in Japan who are caught violating regulations?such as using a mobile phone or listening to music with earphones while riding?may be subject to fines.

According to reports from Japanese media outlets including Fuji News Network (FNN) on April 24, the National Police Agency of Japan plans to implement a new system of fines for bicycle traffic violations, established under the revised Road Traffic Act, beginning April 1 next year.

Specific fines include 12,000 yen (approximately 120,000 won) for using a smartphone while cycling, 6,000 yen (approximately 60,000 won) for running a red light, and 5,000 yen (approximately 50,000 won) for listening to music with earphones or riding while holding an umbrella.

The fines apply to cyclists aged 16 and older. If the administrative fine is not paid, the offender may face criminal prosecution. The revised Road Traffic Act, enacted last year, stipulates that riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen.

However, Asahi Shimbun reported that the National Police Agency does not intend to impose fines for all violations. Instead, fines will be considered for cyclists who ignore police guidance and warnings or who create dangerous situations.