Stay Safe on the Road: Heavy Penalties for Handphone Driving in Singapore


Handphone (cellphone) driving is considered to be a serious offence equivalent to reckless or dangerous driving because there are many accidents involved during the course of handphone usage. In order to minimise the risk of the drivers and other road users, Singapore has implemented harsh laws to make sure that offenders take serious thought about commiting the offence.

It is considered against the law when usage of handphone during driving while
1. You try to make or pick up a call while the vehicle is still in motion
2. Holding the handphone in one hand, driving single handed. Even if you are using wireless bluetooth or handset but holding onto the handphone, it is still considered an offence
3. Holding onto the phone while the vehicle is still in motion, e.g SMS while during (Common acts among drivers in Singapore)
4. Both hands off the steering wheel and holding onto the handphone.

Offenders can be fined up to S$ 1,000 and 12 demerit points, or an imprisonment term not exceeding 6 months or both. If the driver is found both hands off the steering wheel, a maximum of S$ 3,000/-, or an imprisonment term not exceeding 12 months or both. According to Singapore Roads Traffic Driver Improvement Points Systems (DIPS), a 12 demerit points may cause the revoking of driving licence and disqualified from obtaining an licence again.

Singapore has implemented stricter law on Handphone Driving. Check the latest law change here.

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