SINGAPORE - As of Feb 1, it will be illegal for drivers to hold any
type of mobile device while driving. Previously, only calling or
texting someone on a mobile phone was barred.
On Sept 8, 2014, changes to the Road Traffic Act were passed into
law and a wider range of mobile devices was added to the Act.
The changes came amid a rise in recent years in the number of
summonses for using a mobile phone while driving - from 2,938 in
2012 to 3,572 in 2013.
Here's what you need to know about the changes.
1. Mobile devices
Anyone caught holding any mobile device while driving can be found
guilty of committing an offence. To be specific, mobile devices are
any hand-held equipment which are designed or capable of being used
for telecommunication. This means phones as well as tablets.
2. As long as you are holding it when the vehicle is moving, you
can be charged
It is no longer just talking or texting that will get you in
trouble. The new changes include surfing the web, visiting social
media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and downloading
material. The law applies to holding a device while driving. It is
not illegal to use a mobile device when the car is stationary. But
motorists are strongly advised not to handle their device at a red
light.
3. If the device is mounted
It is not illegal to use a mobile device that is mounted on a
holder or dashboard.
4. Penalties
First-time offenders can be fined up to $1,000 and/or jailed for up
to six months. Repeat offenders face up to $2,000 in fines and/or
up to 12 months in jail.
4. What about wearables?
The amended law does not specifically mention wearable
technology such as the Google Glass. But the use of such
devices could be classified as inconsiderate driving, an offence
which carries up to a $1,000 fine and a six-month jail term.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli
commented on this during the amendment of the law in parliament on
Sept 8, 2014, saying: "We will continue to monitor the situation...
and study the practices of other jurisdictions as they evolve to
deal with (new) types of smart devices."
ST