Summonses Issued to Drivers for Using Mobile Devices While Driving in Past Five Years

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many motorists have been issued summonses in each of the past five years for using mobile devices while driving, including mounted devices; and (b) whether enforcement differentiates between (i) passive navigation display and (ii) active interaction, such as typing, swiping or video viewing.

About 2,800 motorists were issued summonses on average annually between 2021 and 2025 for using mobile communication devices while driving.

Three conditions must be fulfilled to make out an offence of using a mobile communication device while driving. First, the vehicle must be in motion. Second, the motorist must have held a mobile communication device in his or her hand. It is not an offence to use a mounted device. Third, the motorist must have operated any of its functions, including viewing a passive navigation display, typing, swiping or video viewing.

Even if a driver uses a mounted device while driving, he or she may, depending on the facts of the case, be liable for the offence of driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration, or for reckless or dangerous driving.