Photos: Stamford Tyres

The ban on driving while using a mobile telephone, or more commonly referred to as “handphone driving”, was introduced in 1999. With the proliferation of smart phones – the amendments will expand the offence of “handphone driving”, to cover the use of all “mobile communication devices”, which includes devices such as tablet computers. The definition of “use” will be broadened to cover any function of the device, including Internet-surfing, the checking of email, or the playing of games.

The Road Traffic Act amendment will classify the act of holding a mobile communication device in at least one hand while the vehicle is in motion” as an offence.

That means, if you are so “suay” to be spotted by the authorities while holding your phone and changing the details of your route on the GPS – good luck trying to explain to the officer!

However, the new law will not apply when the vehicle is stationary: Example being waiting at the traffic lights. Also, the new law does not apply to phones and tablets mounted on a holder!

We drop by Stamford Tyres to check out their accessory range. Here are some phone and tablet holders that will suit different individual tastes!

The traditional cradle-style phone holder: Hypersonic HPA511 and HPA523

A huge favourite amongst drivers because of their low price. These usually mount to glass only and provide varying levels of adjust-ability to keep the phone within reach.

“Bendy” gooseneck holders provide much more mounting flexibility, but are prone to wobble when the vehicle is in motion.

Compact grab-style holders: Hypersonic HPA562
If you can’t stand the sight of phone holders in your view, there are smaller options that mount directly onto any surface on the dashboard with strong double sided tape..

Large grab-style holders: Tegopower’s DashCrab FX
Other than just phones, these holders are able to hold more stuff. We’ve used them to mount our GoPro cameras, cash cards, car park receipts, as well as to hold charging cables when we are not using them. These can be mounted to glass or the dashboard, usually by means of a sticky suction cup.

Visor-mount holders: Hypersonic HPA535
Can’t stand looking downwards? Or do you not wish to wipe mounting marks on the glass every time you remove a suction cup-based holder? This holder easily clips onto your visor and brings you phone near to the rear-view mirror.

Vent-mount holders:
Smartphones can get pretty hot if you run them continuously for navigation purposes. An air-conditioning vent mount holder is an unobtrusive way to keep your phone cool under pressure!

Tablet holders: Exogear ExoMount
Who wouldn’t like to have a 10-inch GPS device? Who? Though, we wouldn’t recommend mounting a tablet on the windscreen for obvious reasons. This strong suction cup-based holder allows you to position your tablet from the top of the dashboard and position it for the best view.

Prices for phone holders range from S$10-S$50 and tablet holders usually start at S$50. Expensive? Well think of the S$1,000 fine and/or six months in a jail cell if you get caught….