Last September, Singapore made changes to its Road Traffic Act, and new rulings brought about by these revisions will come into effect from February 1. One particular amendment to the rules concerns the use of mobile devices while on the move, The Straits Times reports.
Starting from the beginning of next month, it will be illegal for a driver to use or hold any type of mobile device while the vehicle is on the move. Prior to this, only texting or making a call on a mobile phone was deemed an offence, but changes to the law now makes it an offence to use or hold a mobile device while driving.
Which means you can be caught if you’re spotted fooling around with your mobile device while on the move – you can’t surf the web, do Twitter or Facebook routines or even download material, period. The short of it is, as long as you’re using a device in your hand while you’re driving, you can be charged.
Specifically, the term mobile device constitutes any hand-held equipment that is designed or is capable of being used for telecommunication, so the rules apply to tablets as well.
Presumably, this law should apply to all drivers on Singaporean roads, so Malaysians driving about in the republic, take note. Penalties will be severe – first-time offenders face a fine of up to SGD$1,000 (RM2,680) and/or a six-month jail term, while repeat offenders are set to be slapped with a fine of up to SGD$2,000 (RM5,360) and/or up to 12 months in jail.
The ST report adds that the amended rules don’t mention wearable technology such as the Google Glass, but says that the use of such devices might be classified as inconsiderate driving, an offence that translates to a SGD$1,000 fine and a six-month jail term.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments generally support Singapore's new law banning mobile device use while driving, highlighting concerns about safety and the need for enforcement. Many suggest that hands-free devices or voice commands like Siri, Google Now, or Cortana can help drivers stay connected without risking penalties. Some critics believe Malaysia's existing laws are ineffective due to poor enforcement and highlight issues like police corruption, careless drivers, and the prevalence of smartphones leading to accidents. Several comments emphasize the importance of strict enforcement and compare Malaysia's attitude to Singapore's disciplined approach. There is also skepticism about the high costs of traffic cameras and fines, with some calling for similar laws in Malaysia. Overall, there is a consensus that legal measures are necessary, but enforcement and cultural changes are equally critical.