Gov’t plans to impose MOP900 fine for drivers using mobile phones

The Legislative Assembly’s First Standing Committee met with government representatives on Friday to discuss an amendment bill to the Road Traffic Law, which proposes raising the fine for using mobile phones while driving to MOP900.

The bill does not restrict the use of navigation functions or hands-free mobile phone calls while driving – except for professional drivers, such as bus drivers, who are prohibited from using these devices at all times for safety reasons.

Ella Lei, chair of the committee, stated during a post-meeting press briefing: “However, there are specific exceptions. For example, if a driver uses a navigation system to help reach their destination, those features won’t incur penalties. Additionally, hands-free devices are also exempt from restrictions.”

She emphasized that the current law already includes prohibitions against holding, operating, or viewing mobile phones, telecommunications devices, or audiovisual equipment while driving, and that the proposed bill clarifies and strengthens these regulations. In particular, the government highlighted that mobile phone use is not prohibited if the vehicle is parked in a safe location.

According to Lei, the new bill also proposes allowing vehicles to be driven autonomously under specific conditions, paving the way for the future development of autonomous driving technology. However, it would still require non-exempt vehicles to be under driver control at all times, with the driver avoiding any behavior that could compromise road safety. Violators may face a fine of MOP300.

For clearly dangerous driving behaviors, such as standing while riding a motorcycle, performing stunts, or drifting, the bill proposes to introduce penalties, including a fine of MOP3,000.

Meanwhile, the bill also introduces fines for the use of balance bikes, skateboards, scooters, motorized bicycles, and two-person bicycles on public roads or in areas where traffic is restricted or prohibited, with violators facing a fine of MOP600. In vehicle-restricted zones, failure to comply with vehicle length or weight limits will result in a fine of MOP3,000.

Additionally, the bill explicitly states that pedestrians must walk only on designated pedestrian paths on bridges and must move in the opposite direction of vehicle traffic.