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New laws for motorists = more fines.
It would seem like common knowledge to not use your phone while driving. The culture of burying one’s nose into their phones is already an impending danger to society, doing so while operating any type of machinery just speeds up evolution.
If you’re looking to improve your driving record, live a little longer, not accidentally take a life or perhaps plan to have your premium for your insurance lowered in the next term then you might want to take the few extra minutes to go through these new changes to existing road regulations.
It was initially reported by the Straitstimes that holding your mobile device while you were in your car was enough to warrant you a fine. That has been retracted. The actual rule forbids you to hold your mobile device while driving. It is alright to use your if your vehicle is stationary.
Remember it says holding your mobile device, it doesn’t matter if you’re actually using it. (Mobile devices include phones, tablets and anything else that is used for telecommunication.
That being said, just refrain from touching anything but the steering wheel while you’re in the car, and you’ll be a happy camper.
However, if your mobile device is mounted onto a holder or on your dashboard it is acceptable and you will not be fined. Handsfree people, go handsfree. Spend a little on a headset and save yourself some money, demerit points and/or guilt.
What are the fines?
If you’re a first time offender you’ll be looking at paying $1000 and/or a jail term of up to 6 months.
Repeat offenders face up to $2000 and/or a jail term of up to 12 months.
Still want to reply your texts while driving?
Technology is ever-changing.
But what if I’m super high tech and I require Google glasses to improve my Google vision?
As of today, there are no laws that forbid you from using any form of wearable technology. You can be part cyborg and that would be totally fine.
However under certain circumstances you could be fined a $1000 for inconsiderate driving if your wearable technology interferes with your attention to the road and lands you in an accident or any other infraction.
“We will continue to monitor the situation… and study the practices of other jurisdictions as they evolve to deal with (new) types of smart devices.” said Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli in parliament on Sept 8, 2014.
[plinker]
