The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that current road safety laws in the country already prohibit the use of mobile phones by motorcyclists and cyclists while their vehicles are in motion. This clarification follows a public suggestion to extend penalties for mobile phone use on the road to include these groups, in addition to car drivers.
Under Section 65B of the Road Traffic Act, it is an offence for drivers of any vehicle—including motorcycles and bicycles—to hold and operate a mobile communication device while the vehicle is moving. The ministry emphasized that this provision already covers motorcyclists and cyclists, addressing concerns that they might be exempt from such rules.
In addition to this, the ministry recently announced plans to amend the Road Traffic Act to further tighten regulations. The proposed changes would make it an offence for drivers to hold a mobile communication device while their vehicle is in motion, regardless of whether the device is being actively operated. This move aims to address safety risks associated with handling phones even when not in direct use, enhancing overall road safety.
The suggestion was also made to extend penalties to pedestrians who use mobile phones while crossing roads, citing potential safety hazards due to distraction. The ministry acknowledged these concerns and agreed that pedestrian distraction can contribute to accidents. While penalties for pedestrians are not currently part of the proposed legal amendments, officials said they would incorporate such feedback in ongoing public education campaigns. The goal is to foster greater awareness among all road users—drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians—that remaining alert and attentive is a shared responsibility vital to maintaining a safe road environment.
The ministry’s response underlines its commitment to continuously review and improve road safety measures, balancing enforcement with public education to mitigate risks across all forms of road use.