MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Japanese lawmakers increased penalties for unlicensed drivers and bicyclists who ride against traffic, Dec. 1, 2013.
Both laws are part of the recent changed to the Road Traffic Law, which affects all residents of Japan, including Status of Forces Agreement status personnel aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
According to The Japan Times, new penalties for patrons caught driving a motor vehicle without a license include up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen. The previous penalties were a prison term of up to one year or a fine of up to 300,000 yen.
Drivers under SOFA status who are only permitted to drive on base are also subject to the same penalties if caught driving off base.
1st Lt. Shannon Gross, the Deputy Provost Marshal for the Provost Marshal’s Office said many parents with teens who are only permitted to drive on base do not realize that even driving five minutes off base can render major repercussions.
The new law states cyclists who do not keep on the left-hand side of the road may face up to 30 days in prison or a fine of 20,000 yen. Under the old policy, cyclists previously could to ride in narrow side lanes also used by pedestrians.
One new change requires bikes to have a front and rear brake. Children can ride bikes with one brake, but must be under the supervision of an adult.
Gross said parents need to ensure their children are wearing helmets and watched while operating a bicycle.
Cyclists can still ride in either direction on permitted sidewalks.
According to The Japan Times, tougher penalties come in response to an accident in April 2013 in which 10 people, including elementary school children, were killed or injured by an unlicensed 18-year-old driver who borrowed a car from a friend.
“The reason jail time and fines have increased is to almost shock people into doing the right thing,” said Staff Sgt. John Whitney, the accident investigation chief for PMO. “These strict consequences make people more likely to abide by the law.”
According to Japan’s National Police Agency, unlicensed drivers caused 2,414 accidents in 2012 resulting in death or injury. The agency also reported that 3,956 cyclists received warnings in 2011, and 17 reportedly led to fines.
“This is very few and far between with SOFA status personnel,” said Whitney. “Most of the people aboard station are law abiding.”
Whether it’s riding a bike or operating a vehicle, SOFA status personnel should be informed about changing laws and regulations, in order to continue to abide by them.