SPF Says You Won’t Be Fined $1,000 For Using Phone When Crossing Roads, But Still Better To Avoid

Singapore Police Urge Pedestrians Not To Use Their Phones While Crossing Road

Last month, Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced new amendments to the existing highway codes, which took effect from 1 Dec.

Among them was an advisory for pedestrians not to use their mobile phones while crossing the road.

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However, erroneous messages have apparently been circulating online, falsely claiming that pedestrians can be fined up to $1,000 if they’re caught crossing roads while using their phones.

On Wednesday (18 Dec), SPF posted a clarification on their Facebook page, informing Singaporeans that while it is not an offence for someone to do so, they are strongly advised against it.

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Using phones may distract pedestrians

In the Facebook post, SPF shared that using phones while crossing roads might distract pedestrians from “road conditions and the movement of vehicles around them”.

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Hence, the SPF urged Singaporeans not to use their mobile phones while crossing the road.

Additionally, pedestrians should also be cautious at all times, and be mindful of their personal safety as well as that of other road users.

Apart from the above advisory, other new changes made to the Highway Code include:

• $200 fine for not giving way to emergency vehicles
• PMD and PMA ban on roads.

No fine doesn’t mean it’s okay

While it is not an offence to use your phone while crossing the road, it doesn’t mean you should do it.

If you’re one of those who received the erroneous message, do share this article with the sender to stop the dissemination of false information.

Featured image adapted from Population.sg.