Living
Traffic Fines & Offences
The rules of the road are enforced in Singapore through a network of speed cameras, random checkpoints and roving patrols. Speed cameras are set up around the island, and are marked with blue and white signs with a picture of a camera on them. Mobile speed camera units are also deployed.
Most offences net you a fine of $120-150 and a few demerit points. More severe infractions can land you in court, where you face higher fines and the possibility of jail.
The Driver Improvement Points System assigns demerit points for various infractions.
Accumulate 24 demerit points in 24 months and your licence will be suspended for three months. If you notch up a further 12 points in 12 months after your first suspension, you’ll lose your licence for up to three years. New drivers who accumulate more than 13 demerits in the 12 months after they receive their licence, will have it revoked. If your licence is suspended or revoked you’ll have to re-sit all the tests in order to get your licence again.
All the rules apply to foreigners and local alike, but in order to close the loophole that allowed foreigners to drive on their foreign licence and IDP if their local licence was suspended, foreigners receive a prohibition order rather than having their licence suspended. A prohibition order means you may not drive, no matter what licence you hold/DIPS penalties range from 3 to 6 demerit points and fines from $120 to $150, but can be higher for driving at more than 30km/h over the limit (8-24 points), running a red light (12 points), driving while using a hand-held mobile phone (12 points) or reckless and dangerous driving (24 points). Some of these offences also carry fines and possible jail terms.
You can pay your fines at traffic police offices, at SingPost Self-Service Automated Machines, AXS terminals and on the internet via DBS, OCBC and UOB Banks.
Tinting of car windows is allowed to 30% and no more.
