While the intention to improve road safety is widely supported, the new proposal to criminalize the mere act of holding a mobile device raises questions about the practical realities of daily driving. Critics and some members of the public have expressed concern that the law may be overly broad, potentially penalizing drivers for harmless or momentary actions. For instance, a driver who instinctively reaches for a phone to move it out of the way or to hand it to a passenger could now face severe legal consequences, including potential jail time, despite having no intention to use the device.
There is also a concern that such strict regulations could lead to inconsistent enforcement. If the law is interpreted too rigidly, it may place an undue burden on motorists who use their devices for legitimate, non-distracting purposes, such as ensuring a phone is securely placed in a mount. While the Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that hands-free navigation remains permitted, the line between a prohibited action and a necessary adjustment can sometimes be thin. This uncertainty might cause unnecessary anxiety for drivers who are otherwise attentive and responsible.
Furthermore, some observers point out that focusing heavily on mobile devices might distract from other forms of driver impairment or distraction that the law does not explicitly address. While the ministry has noted that activities like eating or drinking can still be prosecuted under existing reckless driving laws, the lack of a specific, clear-cut prohibition for these behaviors—which can be just as distracting as holding a phone—creates a perceived inconsistency in the regulatory framework. For the law to be truly effective and fair, it must be applied in a way that targets genuine risk without creating traps for drivers who are not actually endangering others.