Japan adds and toughens penalties for using a phone while cycling (nagara-sumaho) and cycling under the influence of alcohol (2024 Road Traffic Act amendment, in force 1 November 2024)
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
With the amended Road Traffic Act in force on 1 November 2024, Japan added and toughened penalties for using a mobile phone while cycling (nagara-sumaho) and for cycling with alcohol in the body (shukiobi).
Key facts
| In force from | 1 November 2024 (Reiwa 6, 1 November), amended Road Traffic Act |
|---|---|
| Responsible bodies | National Police Agency and prefectural police (警察庁・都道府県警察) |
| Nagara-sumaho (holding a phone to call or look at the screen) | Imprisonment of up to 6 months or a fine of up to 100,000 yen (operating it while stopped is not covered) |
| If nagara-sumaho causes a traffic danger | Imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen |
| Cycling with alcohol in the body (the rider) | Imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen |
| Person who provides the bicycle | Imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen |
| Person who provides the alcohol, or who rides along | Imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of up to 300,000 yen |
| Bicycle rider training course system | Nagara-sumaho and cycling with alcohol in the body are covered by the training course system (failing to take an ordered course brings a fine of up to 50,000 yen) |
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Under the amended Road Traffic Act that took effect on 1 November 2024, holding a smartphone or similar device in your hand while cycling to make a call or look at the screen is newly banned and carries a penalty (operating it while stopped is not covered). Using a phone while cycling carries imprisonment of up to 6 months or a fine of up to 100,000 yen; if it causes a traffic danger, imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen. A person who cycles with alcohol in their body, and a person who provides the bicycle, each face imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen; a person who provides the alcohol, or who rides along, faces imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of up to 300,000 yen. Using a phone while cycling and cycling with alcohol in the body are also covered by the bicycle rider training course system.
Background — why this change
The new penalties were put in place to prevent serious accidents caused by dangerous cycling.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
Is operating a smartphone while stopped also an offence?
According to the leaflet, operating it while stopped (停止中の操作) is not covered. What is banned is holding the phone in your hand while riding to make a call or look at the screen.
Is it an offence to lend a bicycle to someone who has been drinking, or to give them alcohol?
Yes. As well as the rider who cycles with alcohol in the body, a person who provides the bicycle faces imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen, and a person who provides the alcohol, or who rides along, faces imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.
When do these penalties start?
They apply from 1 November 2024 (Reiwa 6, 1 November), the date the amended Road Traffic Act took effect.