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Handphone Driving
Handphone driving is an inconsiderate and dangerous act that poses a threat to road users. This act distracts driver and reduces their ability to control their vehicles and to react to changes in road situations. This puts pedestrians and motorists at risk.
With effect from 1 July 2000, all handphone-driving offenders will be prosecuted in Court, regardless of whether the motorist is a first time or repeated offender. The offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both, and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both. In addition to the higher fine and the current 12 demerits points, Traffic Police will apply to the court for the handphone to be forfeited. The courts may also disqualify the offender's driving licence.
Traffic Police has the following words of advice to motorists with handphone in their cars:
- If you drive, don't phone. If you phone, don't drive.
- If you must answer or make a call, ask your passenger to do it for you.
- If you are travelling alone, you should drive to a carpark before making the call.
- If there is a need to use a handphone while driving, you should use the car kit or handphone earpiece and make the call short.
These advice is aimed at improving drivers' behaviours so as to help keep our roads safe for all road users.
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