One-Handed Bike Riding Prohibited
Hiroshima Prefecture Road Traffic Law Enforcement Regulation Amendment
Riding a bike on busy streets while holding an umbrella or mobile phone leaves you unable to quickly use your breaks in an emergency and leads to unbalanced riding. As such, beginning June 1, 2006, such behavior is prohibited with a penalty fine of up to 50,000 yen.
Effective as of June 1, 2006
■ 50,000,000 yen Compensation Ordered for a Bicycle Accident
Preoccupied with the screen of their mobile phone, the rider collided with a pedestrian in front of them
50,000,000 yen in compensation was ordered for a high school student, who hit a pedestrian while riding a bicycle without the bike light on at night and preoccupied with their mobile phone. They were not aware of the pedestrian ahead and collided with them.
Hiroshima Prefecture Road Traffic Law Enforcement Regulation Amendment (excerpt)
■ Rules and Regulations for Drivers (Article 10)
1. When letting another person ride your large-sized or standard-sized motorcycle with a device to allow another to ride, be sure to seat him/her astride on the device and drive.
2. In the event of driving a car (excluding two-wheeled vehicles) on snowy or icy roads, attach tire chains on the driving wheels, or studless or snow tires (limited to tires whose portions touch the road directly are at least 50% not worn out) on all the wheels, or take other effective measures to prevent slippage.
3. Do not ride a bicycle which does not have a bell attached.
4. While riding a bicycle on busy streets, do not ride in a way which has a risk of losing balance, such as riding and holding an umbrella or other items.
5. Do not drive oxcart or cart which are not equiped with a coachman¡Çs seat.
6. Do not drive a car or motorized bicycle while wearing sandals, geta, or any other type of shoe which may pose as a hindrance or obstacle in driving.
7. When driving standard-sized motorcycles (the motor size is limited to those with an aggregate gas emission of less than 0.125 liters, and a standard power output of less than 1.00 kilowatts) or motorized bicycles (henceforth referred to as Motorized Bicycles etc.), have city, town, or local (including special wards) ordained license plate with the sign and the number installed on the back of the Motorized Bicycles etc in an easy to see manner.
8. According to the Road Transport Vehicle Law, do not drive large-sized vehicles, standard-sized vehicles (excluding vehicles with motors with an aggregate gas emission of less than 0.050 liters, and a standard power output of less than 0.60 kilowatts) and special large-sized vehicles, which has infrared-absorbing or reflective tape affixed on the license plate or number plate.
9. Do not allow others to ride with you on your large-sized or standard-sized motorcycle with a device to allow another to ride, while holding lead pipes, wooden swords, bats, or other similar items without sufficient reason.
■ Principal Penalties on Bicycles
Driving Drunk: Imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen
Ignoring a Traffic Signal: Imprisonment of up to 3 months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen
Stop Sign Violation: Imprisonment of up to 3 months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen
Obstructing Sidewalks and Pedestrians: Imprisonment of up to 3 months or a fine of up to 50,000 yen
Driving at Night Without a Light On: Fine of up to 50,000 yen
Driving While Holding an Umbrella, etc.: Fine of up to 50,000 yen
Riding Side by Side: Fine of up to 20,000 yen or light fine
Two Riders on One Bike: Fine of up to 20,000 yen or light fine
