Parliament passes new Bill that amends Road Traffic Act

The Straits Times reported that from February next year, motorists caught holding and using any sort of mobile device while driving, will be flouting the law.

'Using' will also go beyond just calling or text messaging - as provided for by existing law - but also surfing the Internet, visiting social media platforms, and any other function.

Other changes passed under the RTA promote responsible road use. Vehicle owners who fail to furnish driver information to the Traffic Police within 14 days, for offences such as speeding or beating a red light, will be presumed to have committed the offence.

Drivers will also be required by law to take reasonable steps to provide his particulars to the victim in the event of an accident when nobody is around. For instance, if a driver hits another car at a car park, he must leave a note with his particulars.

Besides these, other amendments to the RTA aim to enhance the competency of motorists. Under the amended licensing regime for foreign vocational drivers, work pass holders who drive for work will need to obtain a local driving licence within six months from the date they obtain their work passes. Currently, the RTA allows foreigners to drive in Singapore with a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months from their date of last entry into Singapore.

This change will take effect on 1^st January 2016, for new work pass holders who obtain their work passes on or after that date. As a transitional arrangement for existing work pass holders who obtain their work passes before 1^st January 2016, this change will take place on 1^st January 2017.

Among other changes, motorists who have accumulated half or more of their allowable demerit points can choose to attend a voluntary Safe Driving Course (SDC). Individuals who pass the SDC will have three demerit points removed from their record.