New Law in Singapore Will Fine You for Holding a Phone

If you’re in Singapore, it’s worth noting that the Singaporean government has amended its Road Traffic Act that will be enforced from the 1st of February 2015. According to the updated Act, drivers who are holding their phone or tablet when the vehicle is moving will be fined up to SG$1,000 (approximately RM2,685) or jailed up to six months, or both.

The SG$1,000 penalty or six-month jail term only applies to first-time offenders. Repeat offenders will get double the penalty: up to SG$2,000 (about RM5,370) or 12-month jail sentence, or both. Clearly, the Singaporean government is clamping down on this issue seriously.

As the amended Act considers mobile devices as “any hand-held equipment which are designed or capable of being used for telecommunication,” this covers both phones and tablets. However, as wearables such as a smartwatch is quite the grey area, it can still be considered as inconsiderate driving, which carries the same penalty. Ouch.

However, this only applies to anyone that’s holding a mobile device while the vehicle is moving. Operating a phone or tablet while the car is stationary is still considered legal, although it’s highly discouraged to do so at a red light.

The Road Traffic Act was amended amid rising number of summonses issued for using a mobile phone while driving in Singapore. The next time you’re visiting our neighbouring country, take this into consideration.

(Source: The Straits Time Singapore)