Home/Singapore/Mobile Phone While Driving Rta Section 65b Guide

Distracted Driving

Singapore Mobile Phone & Distracted Driving Laws Guide 2026

Complete guide to mobile phone laws while driving in Singapore under Section 65B Road Traffic Act. Explains handheld device bans, 6 demerit points, & S$1,000 fine.

Statutory Overview & Driving Framework

Using a mobile phone or handheld device while driving is strictly prohibited in Singapore under Section 65B of the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276). It is an offense for a driver to hold any mobile communication device (phone, tablet, smartwatch) in their hand while the vehicle is in motion on a public road. Hands-free phone usage (using a Bluetooth headset, car dashboard mount, or speakerphone) is legal, provided the driver does not physically hold the device. First-offenders face 6 demerit points and a composition fine of up to S$1,000 (or up to 6 months jail in court). Repeat offenders face up to S$2,000 in fines and 12 months jail.

Singapore Traffic Police Enforcement Notice

Singapore strictly enforces left-hand driving rules, digital speed cameras, ERP 2.0 satellite toll gantries, and zero-tolerance drink driving limits (35mcg/100ml breath limit under RTA Sec 67).

Key Road Regulations & Legal Mandates

Section 65B Physical Holding ProhibitionPhysical Holding Ban

Offense is committed if the driver holds any mobile device in hand while vehicle is moving.

Hands-Free Bluetooth & Phone Mount ExceptionsHands-Free Rules

Using Bluetooth headset, car speakerphone, or phone mounted on dashboard bracket is permitted.

Stationary vs In-Motion Vehicle Legal DistinctionsTraffic Light Rules

Holding phone while stationary at red light is not an offense under Sec 65B, but strongly discouraged.

Tiered Penalties for 1st vs Repeat OffendersDemerit Pts & Fines

1st Offense (6 pts + S$300-S$1,000 fine); 2nd Offense (6 pts + up to S$2,000 fine + 12 mos jail).

Qualification & Compliance Requirements

Applies to all drivers of cars, motorbikes, buses, and commercial trucks in Singapore.

Traffic Police enforcement includes undercover officers, overhead traffic cameras, and mobile patrols.

Holding a phone while driving in School Zones or Silver Zones carries enhanced composition fines.

Smartwatches must not be held in hand; interacting with wrist-worn devices while driving is monitored.

Statutory Document & Driving Checklist

Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276, Section 65B)

Singapore Police Force Traffic Offense Notice

AXS / SPF Portal Fine Payment Receipt

Traffic Police Demerit Points Update Confirmation Notice

LTA Approved Vehicle Mobile Phone Holder & Mount Specification Manual

Step-by-Step Driving & Licensing Process

Mount Mobile Phone on Dashboard Bracket Before Driving

Secure mobile phone in approved dashboard phone mount prior to starting vehicle engine.

Use Hands-Free Bluetooth or Steering Wheel Controls

Conduct voice calls via car Bluetooth system or wireless headset without touching phone.

Receive Traffic Offense Notice If Caught Holding Phone

Traffic Police officer issues summons or mails notice captured by high-definition traffic camera.

Pay Fine & Receive 6 DIPS Demerit Points

Pay composition fine online via AXS; 6 demerit points are credited to driving record.

Court Appearance for Repeat Offense Violation

If second offense within 12 months, attend State Courts hearing for higher fine and jail time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, provided the phone is mounted in a dashboard bracket or car phone holder and you do not hold the phone in your hand while driving.

Holding a phone while stopped at a red light is technically not an offense under Section 65B (as the vehicle is stationary), but Traffic Police advise against it as moving off while holding the phone is illegal.

A first-time offense carries 6 demerit points and a composition fine of S$300 (up to S$1,000 if prosecuted in court).

Yes. Using a Bluetooth headset or earpiece to take phone calls is legal, as long as you do not hold the phone device in your hand.

If you hold a smartwatch in your hand while driving, it constitutes an offense. Wearing a smartwatch is permitted, but tapping screen while driving can lead to careless driving charges.

Repeat offenders face a fine of up to S$2,000, up to 12 months imprisonment, and 6 demerit points.

Statutory Benchmark Metrics

Governing Statute

Road Traffic Act (Sec. 65B)

Handheld Phone Ban

Strict Physical Holding Ban

1st Offense Fine

6 Demerit Pts + Up to S$1,000

Hands-Free Status

Allowed on Dashboard Mount

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