Holding Your Phone While Driving Could Soon Be An Offence In Singapore Even If You’re Not Using It
Motorists in Singapore could soon face fines, demerit points and even jail time simply for holding a mobile phone while driving, even if the device is not being actively used.
The proposed change is part of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill tabled in Parliament on July 7, as authorities move to strengthen road safety laws amid a rise in traffic accidents and fatalities.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the amendments are aimed at addressing increasingly dangerous road conditions and improving enforcement against risky driving behaviour.
Holding A Phone While Vehicle Is Moving To Become An Offence
Under current laws, motorists commit an offence if they are caught using a handheld mobile device for activities such as calling, texting or interacting with applications while driving.
However, enforcement often requires proof that the device was actively being used at the time of the offence.
The proposed legislation removes that requirement.
If passed, motorists can be penalised simply for holding a mobile phone while their vehicle is in motion, regardless of whether they are making a call, sending a message or using an application.
Authorities said holding a phone while driving can distract motorists and reduce their focus on the road, creating unnecessary risks for other road users.
The change would also allow offences to be detected through traffic cameras and video footage submitted by members of the public.
Drivers will still be allowed to use mounted devices, and they may continue handling their phones when the vehicle is stationary.
Road Deaths And Violations On The Rise
MHA said the tougher measures are necessary due to a worsening road safety situation in recent years.
Between 2021 and 2025, traffic fatality rates increased by about 24 per cent, while traffic violations rose by approximately 38 per cent.
Singapore recorded 149 traffic-related deaths in 2025, the highest figure in a decade.
The number of road users injured also increased from 9,342 in 2024 to 9,955 in 2025.
Authorities said stronger penalties and improved enforcement are needed to reverse these trends and encourage safer driving habits.
New Offence For Purposeful Endangerment
The Bill also introduces a new offence targeting motorists who deliberately use vehicles to endanger others.
Under the proposed law, offenders who intentionally endanger another person and cause death or grievous hurt could face significantly harsher punishments.
Those convicted may be jailed for up to 15 years, fined, caned and disqualified from driving for life. In certain circumstances, a minimum driving ban of 10 years may apply.
The proposed offence is intended to address cases where dangerous driving causes serious harm but may not meet the legal threshold required for murder or culpable homicide charges.
Tougher Penalties For Dangerous Driving
The amendments also seek to increase penalties for dangerous driving offences that result in serious injuries.
For dangerous driving causing grievous hurt, the maximum jail term for first-time offenders will increase from five years to seven years.
Repeat offenders could face up to 13 years’ imprisonment, up from the current maximum of 10 years.
Additional jail terms for aggravating factors, such as drink-driving, will also be increased under the proposed changes.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Police will be allowed to make greater use of automated systems to process straightforward traffic violations such as speeding and red-light offences.
Authorities stressed that motorists will still have the right to appeal if they believe an offence has been wrongly identified.
The proposed amendments reflect Singapore’s growing focus on road safety as authorities seek to curb dangerous behaviour and reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the nation’s roads.