Common Traffic Offences in Singapore and Their Penalties

Singapore has seen a notable increase in the volume of traffic accidents in 2024 compared to 2023. According to official sources, the number of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities increased from 131 cases in 2023 to 139 cases in 2024. The number of traffic accidents that resulted in injuries also increased from 6,949 cases in 2023 to 7,049 cases in 2024.

The total number of speeding violations also increased significantly in 2024 when compared to the prior years dataset. For example, in 2023 there was 116,440 speeding violations. In 2024 this jumped to 191,931, a whopping 64.8% jump.

Drink driving also continues to be an area of concern with violations rising by 6.9% to 1,778 violations in 2024.

Motorcyclists and elderly pedestrians continue to be the most vulnerable road user groups in Singapore. Motorcyclists remain disproportionately involved in traffic accidents that result in injuries or death.

As a result of these worrying trends the Traffic Police will continue to take ever stricter enforcement actions. Below are some of the most common offences and the potential penalties one might face.

(1) Speeding

The offence

Exceeding the posted speed limit is the single most frequent traffic violation in Singapore, which is backed up by the statistics shared earlier in our article. Speed limits vary depending on road type, school zones, and expressways.

Penalties

Penalties depend on how much the speed limit is exceeded:

For cars / light vehicles (composition fines):

• Up to 20 km/h over: Fine + 4 demerit points
• 21–30 km/h: Higher fine + 6 points
• 31–40 km/h: Higher fine + 8 points
• Above 40 km/h: Court prosecution likely

Serious speeding cases may result in:

• Court fines up to several thousand dollars
• Driving disqualification
• Possible imprisonment (in extreme cases)

(2) Using a Mobile Phone While Driving

The offence

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving — including texting, scrolling, or holding the phone — is illegal.

Hands-free use is allowed, but drivers must still maintain proper control of the vehicle.

Penalties

• Fine up to $1,000 (first offence)
• Or imprisonment up to 6 months
• 12 demerit points
• Repeat offences: Higher fines and longer jail terms

This is treated seriously because distracted driving significantly increases accident risk.

(3) Drink Driving

The offence

Driving while above the prescribed alcohol limit:

• 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath
• 80mg per 100ml of blood
• 107mg per 100ml of urine

Penalties (First Offence)

• Fine: $2,000 – $10,000
• Or imprisonment up to 12 months
• Mandatory driving disqualification (minimum 2 years)

Repeat offenders face:

• Fines up to $20,000
• Jail up to 2 years
• Longer disqualification periods

If drink driving causes injury or death, far more serious charges apply.

(4) Running a Red Light

The offence

Failing to stop at a red traffic signal or amber light when stopping is reasonably possible.

Penalties

• Fine (composition): Typically around $400
• 12 demerit points
• Court prosecution may apply if the offence causes danger or an accident.

Red-light cameras are widely deployed across Singapore.

(5) Careless or Reckless Driving

The offence

Careless Driving: Driving without due care or reasonable consideration (e.g., unsafe lane changes, tailgating).

Reckless / Dangerous Driving: Driving in a manner that endangers life (e.g., racing, extreme speeding).

Penalties

Careless Driving (without injury):

• Fine up to $1,500
• Or jail up to 6 months
• Or both

If injury is caused:

• Higher fines
• Mandatory disqualification
• Possible imprisonment

Reckless/Dangerous Driving:

• Heavier fines
• Longer jail terms
• Lengthy driving bans

(6) Driving Without Insurance

The offence

All vehicles must have valid third-party motor insurance.

Penalties

• Fine up to $1,000
• Or imprisonment up to 3 months
• Mandatory driving disqualification

(7) Driving Without a Valid Licence

This includes:

• Never having obtained a licence
• Driving while suspended
• Driving outside licence class

Penalties

• Fine up to $10,000
• Jail up to 3 years
• Or both
• Disqualification from holding a licence

(8) Failing to Wear Seatbelts

Applies to both drivers and passengers (where seatbelts are installed).

Penalties

• Fine (composition) typically $150
• 3 demerit points (driver liable for passengers under 14)

(9) Illegal Parking Offences

Common examples:

• Parking on double yellow lines
• Parking at bus stops
• Obstructing traffic
• Parking in disabled lots without authorisation

Penalties

• Fines vary (often $70 – $130+)
• Wheel clamping / towing in serious cases

(10) Hit and Run / Failure to Stop After Accident

Drivers must stop, provide particulars, and report certain accidents within 24 hours.

Penalties

• Fine up to $3,000
• Jail up to 12 months
• Driving disqualification

Demerit Points System (DIPS)

Singapore uses the Driver Improvement Points System:

• Points accumulate per offence
• 24 points → Suspension (for experienced drivers)
• 13 points → Suspension (for probationary drivers)

Suspension periods increase for repeat cases.

Why Enforcement Is So Strict

Singapore’s strict traffic regime aims to:

• Reduce fatalities and injuries
• Deter reckless behaviour
• Maintain road discipline
• Protect vulnerable road users

Government data has consistently shown that speeding, drink driving, and red-light violations are among the top contributors to serious accidents hence the heavy penalties. It is likely if offences continue to rise that further enforcement actions and penalties will be inevitable.