MPs raise concerns over mounted devices, private-hire drivers as law passed to criminalise holding phones while driving
Singapore has passed a new law criminalizing the act of holding a mobile phone while driving, regardless of whether the device is in use. Members of Parliament debated the enforcement challenges regarding mounted devices and the impact on private-hire drivers during the bill's second reading.
Why it matters
The legislation reflects global efforts to mitigate traffic accidents caused by digital distractions, highlighting the difficulty of balancing modern vehicle technology with road safety regulations.
One Member of Parliament noted the growing range of digital distractions in the form of wearable devices and large infotainment systems in vehicles.
Man holding his phone while driving. (Photo: iStock/BitsAndSplits)
Natasha Ganesan 04 Aug 2026 09:38PM (Updated: 04 Aug 2026 10:41PM) Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a new cards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SINGAPORE: Members of Parliament on Tuesday (Aug 4) sought clarifications on the use of mounted devices while driving and the impact on private-hire drivers as a law was passed to criminalise holding mobile phones while driving .
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