Why is Singapore proposing to ban holding phones while driving?

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Singapore Proposes Stricter Law Against Holding Mobile Devices While Driving Due to Enforcement Challenges and Safety Concerns

Singapore is proposing legislative changes to penalise motorists for holding any mobile communication device while driving, regardless of whether it is in use. This shift aims to address the difficulties in enforcing the current law, which requires proof of active device usage, and to enhance road safety by reducing driver distraction. The proposed Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill broadens the definition of prohibited actions to encompass holding devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and even smartwatches while the vehicle is in motion.
Difficulty in Enforcing Current Regulations

The existing legislation mandates that traffic enforcement officers must demonstrate that a driver was actively using a mobile device while holding it, a requirement that has proven challenging to meet. This often necessitates manual verification of the driver's actions, making it difficult to issue summonses efficiently. The proposed amendment seeks to remove this evidentiary hurdle by making the mere act of holding a device while the vehicle is moving an offence.
Enhancing Road Safety by Minimising Distraction

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stated that there is no legitimate reason for a driver to hold a mobile phone or similar communication device when a vehicle is in motion. Such actions inherently pose a significant risk of distraction, which can endanger the driver and other road users. By prohibiting the physical act of holding these devices, Singapore aims to proactively mitigate potential accidents caused by inattentive driving.
Expanded Enforcement Capabilities and Existing Penalties

Beyond changing the definition of the offence, the proposed Bill also introduces enhanced enforcement tools for the Traffic Police. This includes the ability to act upon photographic and video evidence submitted by the public, which is expected to improve the detection of violations. Under the current framework, approximately 2,800 motorists annually receive summonses for holding and using mobile devices while driving, with penalties ranging from fines up to S$1,000 or six months' imprisonment for first-time offenders, and more severe consequences for repeat offenders.

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Why is Singapore proposing to ban holding phones while driving?

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