Singapore proposes stricter penalties for drivers holding phones while driving

Singapore is set to toughen its stance on distracted driving with proposed changes to the road traffic law. Drivers caught holding a mobile communication device while their vehicle is in motion could soon face penalties, regardless of whether they are actively using the device.

Currently, enforcing such offenses requires proof that the driver was operating the device, such as texting or calling. The Ministry of Home Affairs explained that this manual verification process limits enforcement capabilities. The proposed Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill aims to simplify this by making the act of holding a device an offense.

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Today, making out an offence of using a mobile communication device while driving requires proof that the driver was operating any communicative or other functions of the device, such as texting or calling, while holding the device in his hand and driving the vehicle. This means that the offence can only be enforced manually, as officers must verify that the driver was operating the device.

A mobile communication device is broadly defined to include mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The ministry clarified that while tapping on a smartwatch would not be an offense unless held, drivers are expected to use such devices safely when the vehicle is stationary or before starting their journey. The use of mounted devices will remain permissible.

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Drivers typically hold a mobile communication device with the intention to either operate or move the device. These activities could have been done safely, either at the start of the journey or when the vehicle had come to a complete stop during the journey. There is no reason for a driver to hold a handphone while the vehicle is in motion, at the risk of distracting the driver and endangering road users. And as such, it would be considered an offence.

To bolster enforcement, the bill also seeks to allow traffic police to act on photographic or video evidence submitted by the public. This measure is expected to significantly increase the detection rate of such offenses. The Road Traffic Act was previously amended in 2014 to prohibit holding and using mobile devices, a law expanded over time to cover various online activities.

Between 2021 and 2025, an average of approximately 2,800 motorists were summoned annually for using mobile communication devices while driving. These proposed changes underscore Singapore's commitment to improving road safety by addressing a common source of driver distraction.

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This change will not affect the use of mounted devices, which will not be an offence. Drivers may also hold their devices while the vehicle is stationary.