Singapore is moving to tighten road safety regulations by making it an offence to hold a mobile communication device while driving, regardless of whether the device is being actively used. The proposed Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, introduced in Parliament on July 7, 2026, aims to address the rising number of traffic violations and accidents on the nation's roads. Currently, authorities must prove that a driver was using a device's communicative functions while the vehicle was in motion to secure a conviction. This requirement has made enforcement challenging for the Traffic Police.
Under the new proposal, the mere act of holding a phone, tablet, or smart watch while behind the wheel will be sufficient to constitute an offence. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that traffic fatalities reached a 10-year high of 149 in 2025, with cellphone-related driving violations climbing to 4,193 in the same year. By removing the burden of proving usage, the government intends to simplify enforcement and deter distracted driving behaviors that contribute to these statistics.
Penalties for the offence remain unchanged under the proposed bill. First-time offenders prosecuted in court face a maximum fine of $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Repeat offenders may be subject to a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. These measures are part of a broader legislative package that also includes stricter rules for drink-driving and drug-driving to improve overall road safety.
While the new rules target mobile devices, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that other common activities like eating, drinking, or smoking while driving are not specifically prohibited as offences. However, the ministry cautioned that drivers remain liable for other traffic violations, such as reckless or dangerous driving, if these activities lead to an accident or result in driving without due care and attention. Motorists are encouraged to focus on operating their vehicles safely at all times.
If the bill is passed, Singapore will join a group of jurisdictions with some of the strictest road traffic laws globally. The proposed changes reflect a calibrated approach to reducing driver distraction, prioritizing the safety of all road users. The public can expect continued focus on enforcement as the government seeks to reverse the upward trend in traffic-related injuries and fatalities.