Just holding a mobile phone while your vehicle is moving could soon be an offence in Singapore, even without proof you were calling, texting, or scrolling. On 7 July 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) tabled the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill in Parliament, proposing to close a loophole that currently requires prosecutors to prove active use of a handheld device. First-time offenders already face a fine of up to $1,000, up to 6 months’ jail, or both and under the new Bill, holding the phone alone while driving may be enough to convict.
For commercial fleet operators, delivery businesses, and SME owners running vans, lorries, and trucks across Singapore, this isn’t just a headline, it’s a compliance issue that touches every driver on the payroll.
What Exactly Is Changing
Under the current law (Section 65B of the Road Traffic Act), a driver commits an offence only if all three conditions are met: holding a mobile communication device, operating one of its functions, and doing so while the vehicle is in motion. That third-condition requirement has made enforcement difficult a driver caught holding a phone could argue the screen was off or they weren’t “using” it.
The proposed amendment removes that grey area. Simply holding the device while the vehicle is moving would be enough, regardless of whether it’s active. This also opens the door for Traffic Police to rely more heavily on camera footage and videos submitted by members of the public, rather than requiring an officer to witness active use in person.
Current penalties remain the reference point for now:
- First-time offenders: fine of up to $1,000, jail of up to 6 months, or both, plus 12 demerit points and a composition fine of $400 (light vehicles) or $500 (heavy vehicles)
- Repeat offenders: fine of up to $2,000, jail of up to 12 months, or both
- Mounted, hands-free devices remain permitted, and it’s still not an offence to hold a phone while the vehicle is stationary
Why the Rules Are Tightening
MHA’s own figures paint a sobering picture. Between 2021 and 2025, traffic fatalities rose by roughly 24%, while traffic violations climbed about 38%. Road deaths hit a 10-year high of 149 in 2025, up from 142 the year before. Injuries also rose, from 9,342 in 2024 to 9,955 in 2025.
The Bill isn’t limited to phone use. It also introduces a new offence of purposeful endangerment using a vehicle, carrying penalties of up to 15 years’ jail, caning, and lifetime disqualification for the most severe cases, alongside tougher penalties for dangerous and careless driving causing grievous hurt. Taken together, the direction is clear: Singapore is recalibrating toward firmer enforcement, particularly where technology now makes detection easier.
What This Means for Commercial Vehicle Operators
If you run a fleet, whether it’s a handful of vans or a logistics operation with dozens of trucks, driver behaviour behind the wheel is now a bigger business risk than before. A single conviction doesn’t just cost the driver; it can mean vehicle downtime, higher insurance premiums, and reputational exposure if your company’s vehicle appears in an incident caught on camera.
A few practical steps worth considering:
- Mandate hands-free mounts for all company vehicles and make it a written policy, not just a suggestion
- Brief drivers on the Bill’s implications during toolbox talks, particularly the point that a switched-off phone is no longer a defence
- Review your commercial vehicle insurance coverage to understand how a driving offence affects your fleet’s premiums and claims history
- Keep vehicles road-ready through regular servicing, since a well-maintained vehicle reduces the number of variables a distracted moment can turn into an accident
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to hold my phone while driving in Singapore right now?
Yes. Under Section 65B of the Road Traffic Act, it is already an offence to hold a mobile device and use any of its functions while your vehicle is in motion. The proposed Bill would remove the need to prove active use, holding the device alone may be sufficient.
What is the maximum penalty for using a phone while driving?
First-time offenders can face a fine of up to $1,000, jail of up to 6 months, or both. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to $2,000, jail of up to 12 months, or both, along with demerit points and disqualification risk.
Can I still use my phone if it’s mounted on a holder?
Yes. Using a phone mounted on a dashboard or holder in hands-free mode remains permitted under both current law and the proposed changes.
When will the new Bill take effect?
The Bill was tabled for First Reading in Parliament on 7 July 2026. It will need to pass subsequent readings before becoming law, so the exact commencement date has not yet been confirmed.
How does this affect commercial fleet operators specifically?
Fleet operators bear indirect exposure through vehicle downtime, insurance claims, and reputational risk when a driver is convicted. Reviewing driver policies, insurance coverage, and vehicle maintenance schedules can help reduce this exposure.