Yamato becomes Japan's 1st city to 'ban' use of phones while walking

pedestrians should stop at a place where they are not obstructing traffic if they want to use their smartphones in public spaces

Right, because people are so good at stopping in places where they're not obstructing traffic, lol.

It’s a good idea, and they should apply it to bicyclists, too. A few years ago, a young lady who was using her phone while walking across the entrance way to a Yamaha plant was struck and killed by a large truck. When pedestrians and cyclists use their phones they are presumptuouslly shifting the responsibility for their own safety to motorists and others around them. It’s selfish and asking too much of others.

I have heard of a ban while driving but never walking.

As many are quick to point out, if there are no penalties for violation it is meaningless. But how many would be prepared to accept being ticketed for it? In fact, although there is no penalty, it will now be held against you if you cause an accident while using your phone while walking. So there is now a legal implication.

Perfect, now I can walk my Dog without the fear of some Zombie stepping on him.

Issue pedestrians with a licence which can be revoked-end of problem!

Pokézombies are going to continue doing what they've been doing.

All joking aside I fully approve of the principle, though enforcement would be sensible, and Hello Kitty, no protecting the majority from the actions of a thoughtless, reckless and selfish minority is not living in an authoritarian state.

Perhaps they should be required to have insurance and a number plate? You could buy them at the same time as the phone!

I just now noticed the article.... I didn’t read it at first because I was walking while looking at my phone

Once you have an ordinance on the books, then if a dispute arises, the person with the phone is automatically at fault. So while the law may not be enforced, it opens up offenders to other penalties.

Not to worry. If people ignore it, they will add penalties. I hope.

What is the point of this "ban" if it can be completely ignored?

This is so typical of lawmakers here, not thinking things through...

Good I give an aggressive shoulder when a-holes on phones approach

Kanazawa and Kyoto should do the same.Many phone zombies walking in these cities not paying attention to anything. Also, I travel through both cities often by motor bike and tthere are always a few people on mobile phones and bicycles riding in on coming traffic especially at night. This also needs to be taken care of and banned.

Good idea, but if it’s not enforceable it’s a waste of time.

I wonder if that includes people who walk and talk into their cameras while making a YouTube video. In any case, I'm sure James Corbett will have something to say about people's freedom being taken away.

'nagara keitai' at crowded places such as train stations and busy streets is not only the epitome of selfishness and sociopathy, but also a danger to other people's lives as well, just yesterday was inches from running over a sociopath on his bicycle, full speed while using his phone not stopping at the 'tomare' sign. Only God knows where I would be right now if I wasn't ride my motorcycle extra slowly in that residential area.

People here all appear to want to live in authoritarian states where everything has penalties. I am sure that a lot of people will refrain from using their phones because of the ban.

Just BS by politicians who are trying to stay in office

and mostly young people are the ones doing it and we all know young people don't really vote.

No problem... just jog, skip, or skate... technically not "walking" :)

It is a basic human right to speak while walking.

How broad is the definition of “use” supposed to be for this?

Imagine having to stop at every street corner when using an navigation app like google maps to see if you’re going in the right direction as opposed to checking your phone while in motion. Would that be “banned”?

I imagine the ordinance is aimed at people two-handing their phones playing games or watching videos while walking, but a blanket “ban” without specificity is lunacy.

A tiger with no teeth. No penalties equals no adherence.

What difference does it make if it's never enforced?

Nanny state.

Following the passage of a draft ordinance in the city's assembly, the rule will come into effect next Wednesday. It does not, however, carry any penalties for those who ignore it.

LOL! Typical Japan

Great idea, but I don't see how the JCOPS are going to enforce this. Just another law that's going to be completely ignored.

Good start. Please understand this is not an airtight control measure. It’s about litigation when such use of phone is involved. People will still do it as it says there’s no penalties just for doing it. But if doing it leads to the next offense, becomes easier to sue. The ban for now is probably for litigation purposes. I’d have been sued several times by now for intentionally bumping into zombies.

"It does not, however, carry any penalties for those who ignore it."

So, another nothing burger. And I bet you it's one the so-called lawmakers will themselves ignore on day one.

Another ' ban' which carry no penalties? I think the Japanese need to be educated in the meaning of the word ban. And do these politicians really have nothing else to do than wasting time and tax payers' money on inventing these useless bans?

Probably just about as effective as the state of emergency, when people were advised not to gather in large crowds, to wear masks, not to travel if unnecessary.......but absolutely no penalties for ignoring these rules.

Just BS by politicians who are trying to stay in office

This rule, like the one requiring us to pay NHK, carries no penalties for noncompliance so don't expect people to stop.

Probably won’t be taken seriously - but it’s a good start. These keitai zombies are a menace to society

”ban”

any headline with the word ban in quotes won’t be taken seriously

Yamato, we salute you!