New 10-Point Penalty for Drivers Caught Using Phones While Driving

The Council of Ministers has moved to significantly tighten road safety laws, approving an immediate increase in penalty points for motorists caught using handheld mobile devices while driving.

The Cabinet gave the green light to the Ministry of Land Transport this Friday, 8 May 2026, to amend the Road Traffic Act.

The decision targets the specific offence of using a handheld microphone or telephone handset behind the wheel.

Sharper Sanctions

Under the new legislative framework, the penalty point range for phone-related offences has seen a substantial hike. Motorists found in breach of the law will now face:

• A new range of 5 to 10 penalty points.
• An increase from the previous scale of 3 to 6 points.

Rising Risks Despite Safety Gains

The crackdown follows data suggesting that despite a positive start to the penalty point system introduced on 31 January 2026, high-risk behaviours remain prevalent.

Authorities identified texting and phone manipulation as leading causes of fatal accidents.

The decision comes amidst a mixed safety report from the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit (TMRSU).

Data spanning January 2025 to April 2026 highlighted several successes, including:

• A stabilisation of road safety indicators.
• A reduction in casualties within specific sectors.
• A general improvement in road user behaviour attributed to increased police presence.

Continuous Monitoring

However, the government cited “persistent indiscipline” regarding mobile phone use as the primary driver for the swifter, harsher sanctions.

To ensure the effectiveness of the new scale, the TMRSU and the police will conduct quarterly reviews.

These assessments will allow the government to monitor the impact of the increased penalties and make further adjustments to road safety measures if necessary.

Source: Defi Media