Using Phone While Driving: Penalties of Up to 10 Points to be Imposed Soon

The government aims to take a tougher stance against drivers using their mobile phones while behind the wheel. On Friday, May 8, the Cabinet approved a measure for the Ministry of Transport to amend the Road Traffic Act, increasing the penalty points for this type of offense.

The current range of 3 to 6 points will be adjusted to a new range of 5 to 10 points for drivers caught using a phone or handheld microphone while driving.

This decision comes as authorities observe that many users continue to engage in risky behaviors on the roads, such as texting and handling their phones while driving, despite the implementation of the Penalty Points System on January 31, 2026.

According to an initial assessment by the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit from January 2025 to April 2026, road safety indicators show some stabilization since the introduction of this system. Authorities also noted a decrease in certain fatalities on the roads, attributed to increased monitoring and stricter enforcement of penalties.

However, the government believes that more stringent measures are necessary to curb dangerous behaviors and promote more responsible driving. The Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit, along with the police, will now conduct quarterly assessments of the penalty points system to evaluate its effectiveness on road safety.