Traffic rules for bicycles have been tightened in Japan after a revised Road Traffic Law came into effect on Friday.

Police say they are educating people about the stricter regulations and will crack down on violators.

So-called “distracted cycling” is now prohibited. Anyone who causes an accident or dangerous situation using a mobile device while cycling faces up to a year in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen, or about $1,980.

Cyclists who talk on mobile devices or look at them while riding will face a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to 100,000 yen, or about $660. This applies even if the violation did not lead to a dangerous situation.

Cycling under the influence now faces broader penalties. Previously, cyclists had not been penalized unless they were intoxicated to the point that they were unlikely to be able to drive properly. Under the revised law, a penalty threshold of 0.15 milligrams of alcohol per liter of exhaled air has been set. Violators face up to three years in prison or a fine of 500,000 yen, or about $3,300.

Vehicles that have both bicycle pedals and a motorcycle or moped engine are now classified as motorcycles, even if the driver uses them in pedal mode.

The National Police Agency says there have been more than 49,000 accidents resulting in injury or death involving bicycles this year through September. “Distracted cycling” accounted for 126 of them.