You may remember this article [1] we did back in July about Japan's National Police Agency conducting tests of their new law that states it is illegal to use a cellular phone while driving.
Well, you guessed it - those plans have been finalized, and it will go into effect o­n November 1st.

Japan's National Police Agency announced o­n the 24th that they have finalized the law against using cellular phones while driving, and the law will go into effect o­n November 1st.

This law, which came into existence o­n June 3rd, states that when caught using a phone while driving, you could suffer up to 3 months imprisonment (with hard labor, even) or a fine of up to 50,000 yen. o­ne "feature" of this law is that it does not cover o­nly talking - looking at the screen, such as for mail or internet, is also considered a violation and you will suffer punishment.

The official fines decided o­n were, for large vehicles, 7,000 yen, normal vehicles and motorcycles, 6,000 yen, and for motorized bicycles, 5,000 yen. You will also incur 1 point o­n your license.

Inspired by:
http://k-tai.impress.co.jp/cda/article/news_toppage/20251.html [2]

Law Information (PDF):
http://www.npa.go.jp/koutsuu/kikaku20/gaiyou.pdf [3]