SINGAPORE – Drivers using their mobile phones while in their cars are only committing an offence if the vehicle is moving, if they are holding onto the phone, and if they are using a function of the device.
Superintendent Louis Loke, Head (Operations and Training) reiterated that all three conditions must be fulfilled for it to be considered a handphone driving offence.
He made the clarification at a dialogue session organised by the Traffic Police and the National Taxi Association with taxi drivers on July 12.
A short video of him speaking on the issue was posted on Facebook by road safety community page Roads.sg on Tuesday (July 26).
In the clip, Superintendent Loke clarified that it is not an offence for drivers to use their mobile phones while their cars are stationary at a traffic light, as the vehicle is not in motion.
“But, from a safety point of view, we should always be focused on driving and try not to do other things while driving,” he added.
The uncertainty stemmed from the amendment to the Road Traffic Act that came into effect last year, which made it illegal for drivers to hold on to a mobile device while driving.
Previously, it was only an offence if they were using the device.
According to the police, those who commit the offence of handphone driving for the first time may face a fine of up to $1,000, jail of up to six months, or both. The offender may also be disqualified from driving or given 12 demerit points.
Subsequent offenders may be fined up to $2,000, jailed for a maximum of one year, or both.
seanyap@sph.com.sg
