Drivers holding phones while driving may be punished under proposed changes to road traffic law

Instead, it will be an offence as long as a driver holds a mobile communication device in their hand while the vehicle is moving.

A mobile communication device refers to a mobile phone, or any wireless handheld device or wearable device designed or capable of being used for communication. This includes tablets and smart watches.

“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,” MHA said in response to CNA’s queries. 

“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.”

Tapping on smart watches would not be an offence unless the driver is holding a smart watch in his or her hand instead of wearing it as intended by the manufacturer while driving.

If the Bill is passed, it will also allow the traffic police to enforce the offence using cameras or based on photos or videos submitted by members of the public. This will increase the detection of such offences, said MHA.

Currently, a photo showing a driver holding a mobile phone may not, on its own, be sufficient to establish that an offence had been committed, as the traffic police would need proof that the driver was using the device.

“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,” said MHA.