The Road Traffic Act 1961 (“RTA”) governs a wide range of traffic and driving offences in Singapore, providing penalties such as demerit points, fines, driving disqualification, and imprisonment. Below is an updated overview of common driving offences in Singapore.
Table of Contents
- Exceeding the Speed Limit (Speeding Offence Singapore)
- Reckless or Dangerous Driving
- Driving Without Due Care or Reasonable Consideration
- Use of Mobile Communication Devices While Driving
- Drink Driving or Driving Under the Influence of Drink, Drugs, Psychoactive Substances or Intoxicating Substance
- Hit-and-Run Offences
- Stricter Measures for Illegal Racing
- Less-Known Driving Offences in Singapore
- How We Can Help With Driving Offences in Singapore
Exceeding the Speed Limit (Speeding Offence Singapore)
According to Section 63 of the RTA, any driver who exceeds speed limit set for for their class of vehicle or for the road they are travelling on commits a speeding offence and may be prosecuted. Penalties include demerit points, fines, and potentially harsher consequences depending on how much the driver exceeded the speed limit.
Reckless or Dangerous Driving
Under Section 64 of the RTA, a person is guilty of reckless or dangerous driving if they drive in a way that is unsafe to the public, taking into account the road conditions, the state and use of the road, and the traffic present or reasonably expected.
Penalties include:
- First offence: Fine up to S$5,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both
- Subsequent offences: Fine up to S$10,000, imprisonment up to 2 years,
The driver may also face disqualification from driving.
If a person is a serious offender or a serious repeat offender or if such driving causes hurt, grievous hurt, or death, the driver may be liable for more serious penalties, including imprisonment term of between 2 to 8 years for a first time offender.
Read more: Singapore Removed Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Some Dangerous Driving Offences
Driving Without Due Care or Reasonable Consideration
Under Section 65 of the RTA, driving without due care, attention, or reasonable consideration is an offence.
Penalties include:
- First offence: Fine up to S$1,500 or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both
- Subsequent offences: Fine up to S$3,000 or imprisonment up to 12 months, or both
Similarly, a driver may also face disqualification under certain circumstances.
Additionally, if the driver is a serious or repeat offender, or if driving without due care or reasonable consideration causes hurt, grievous hurt, or death, they may face more severe penalties.
This is one of the most common traffic offences in Singapore, especially in minor collision cases.
Use of Mobile Communication Devices While Driving
Under Section 65B of the RTA, holding in your hand a a mobile communication device while driving; including smartphones and tablets, while the vehicle is in motion or in a public place is an offence.
Penalties include:
- First offence: Fine up to S$1,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both
- Subsequent offences: Fine up to S$2,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both
Drink Driving or Driving Under the Influence of Drink, Drugs, Psychoactive Substances or Intoxicating Substance
Under Section 67 of the RTA, it is an offence to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicating substances, or to exceed prescribed alcohol levels.
Penalties include:
- First offence: Fine S$2,000–S$10,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both
- Subsequent offence: Fine S$5,000–S$20,000 plus possible imprisonment of up to 2 years
Drink-driving offences usually carry mandatory disqualification from holding or driving a licence.
Hit-and-Run Offences
Under Section 84 of the RTA, a driver involved in an accident must stop the vehicle, provide their particulars to any person reasonably requesting them, inform the owner of any damaged property or injured animal, and report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
The driver must also render reasonable assistance to any injured person or animal. Failure to comply with these duties constitutes a hit-and-run offence.
Penalties include:
- First offence involving injury/death: Fine up to S$3,000, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both
- Subsequent offences: Fine up to S$5,000, imprisonment up to 2 years, or both
Courts may order disqualification from driving for at least 12 months, and multiple sentences may run consecutively.
Stricter Measures for Illegal Racing
Under Section 116 of the Road Traffic Act, no competition or trial of speed may take place on a public road unless a permit is granted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police. Any person who promotes, participates in, or drives a vehicle in an unauthorized race or illegal car race commits an offence.
The Penalties include:
- First offence: Fine up to S$5,000 and imprisonment up to 12 months
- Subsequent offences: Fine up to S$10,000, imprisonment up to 2 years
Vehicles used in illegal races may be seized, and offenders are disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for at least 12 months.
Less-Known Driving Offences in Singapore
Idling with Engine On
Under Section 21 of the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations, failing to switch off an idling engine (for reasons other than traffic conditions such as in traffic or at traffic lights) is an offence.
The penalties includes a fine of up to $5,000.
Driving Slowly in the Right Lane (Road Hogging)
On expressways, the right-most lane is intended for overtaking. Driving slowly in this lane and obstructing traffic is considered road hogging, which is an offence.
Penalties: Fine up to S$1,000, imprisonment up to 3 months, or both.
How We Can Help With Driving Offences in Singapore
Being investigated or charged with a traffic offence can place you in a difficult and uncertain position, particularly when the potential consequences range from substantial fines and demerit points to licence disqualification or even imprisonment.
Many motorists are also unfamiliar with how investigations unfold, what to expect during police interviews, and whether the incident in question may be compounded or could amount to a more serious offence under the Road Traffic Act.
At GJC Law, our criminal practice is led by experienced criminal lawyers who have advised and represented individuals across a broad spectrum of traffic matters, from speeding offences to complex cases involving dangerous or careless driving, drink-driving allegations, rash driving, and accidents resulting in injury to persons and property.
Our experience allows us to guide you on what factors influences sentencing, and the evidence that would affect your case. We are well-placed to help you review and assess your matter. We regularly assist clients with:
- Understanding what to expect during police investigations
- Identifying any potential defences based on the facts
- Assessing whether written representations may reduce or amend the charge
- Highlighting mitigating factors that may lower penalties
- Preparing a clear, accurate mitigation plea where appropriate
Every case is unique. Having a firm that understands Singapore’s traffic-offence framework and has guided many motorists through the process can help you navigate the situation with clarity and confidence.
Speak to Us
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a driving offence in Singapore, you do not need to manage the process alone.
Our team is here to provide clear, practical advice and support, whatever stage your case is at.
Contact us for an initial discussion to understand your situation and explore the options available to you. We will review the facts with you, explain what happens next, and outline the possible paths forward.
