Japan toughens penalties for those caught using cellphones behind the wheel

TOKYO — Service members caught using mobile devices while driving off base in Japan could be hit with thousands of dollars in fines or up to a year in prison under a law change that came into force Monday.

The new rules toughen penalties for talking on cellphones or holding them while looking at their screens while behind the wheel, according to Japan’s National Police Agency.

The maximum fine that can be issued for those offenses has increased from about $460 to $912 or up to six months imprisonment with hard labor, according to the announcement on the agency website.

Japan has also increased the maximum penalty for a driver who poses a danger to traffic or causes an accident while using a mobile device. Those convicted face a maximum of a year’s imprisonment with hard labor or a $2,736 fine, according to the agency website.

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