Penalty for Driving Offence: Penalties for Common Driving Offences in Singapore (2026 Update)

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified legal professional for matters relating to specific legal circumstances.

Penalties for traffic offences are getting stiffer in Singapore. In January 2026, the penalties for speeding became heavier, with the number of demerit points meted out to motorists exceeding the speed limit by up to 20 km/h rising from four to six under the Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS). The composition fine for this offence has also risen to $200 for light vehicles, up from $150.

Driving offences refer to violations of traffic laws committed while operating a motor vehicle on the road. For those who exceed the speed limit by 51 km/h or more, the number of demerit points will be increased to 24. This would result in a suspension of their driver’s licence and prosecution in court. Such penalties apply to holders of valid driving licences.

Stricter rules have also been imposed on lorries. Owners of heavy vehicles with a maximum laden weight (MLW) of 3,501 kg to 12,000 kg must install speed limiters in their vehicles before the government-mandated deadlines. The speed limiters prevent the lorries from attaining speeds of over 60 km/h. If they fail to do so, first offenders face a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to three months.

Traffic police play a crucial role in enforcing these laws and executing penalties for driving offences, ensuring road safety and compliance.

Confused by the many driving offences and regulations? Here are some of the most common types of driving offences and their associated penalties.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit constitutes the offence of speeding and will result in demerit points and a composition fine for the relevant category of vehicle. For a serious speeding offence, offenders may be prosecuted in court and may be subject to court fines. These penalties apply to both private and commercial drivers. The date of the offence will be used as the reference point for the penalty and record. Demerit points may accumulate to a maximum of 24 demerit points.

Here are the demerit points and composition fines for light vehicles (i.e., most cars).

Source:

 Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) via Channel NewsAsia.

Dangerous and reckless driving

The penalties for dangerous and reckless driving are found in Section 64 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.

Driving a motor vehicle at reckless high speed or in a manner considered dangerous to the public can be enough to constitute an offence.

A person found guilty of reckless or dangerous driving will be liable to face the following penalties:

• First-time offenders - Fine of up to $5,000, up to 12 months imprisonment or both.
• Repeat offenders - Fine of up to $10,000, up to 2 years imprisonment or both.
• Serious offenders - Fine of $2,000 to $10,000, up to 12 months imprisonment or both, in addition to any punishment for first-time offenders.
• Serious repeat offenders - Fine of $5,000 to $20,000, up to 2 years imprisonment or both, in addition to any punishment for first-time or repeat offenders.

The above penalties apply in cases where there has been no hurt, grievous hurt or death caused to another person as a result of dangerous or careless driving.

If the driver has been convicted of dangerous driving and another person is hurt or killed, they may face imprisonment and licence suspension, with a first-time offender causing the death of another person due to dangerous or reckless driving being liable to up to eight years in jail. Serious or repeat offenders get their licence suspended or face disqualification from driving for life.

The court can also order that the driver’s car be forfeited in serious cases.

Driving without due care and attention

According to Section 65 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, it’s an offence to drive a motor vehicle without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road. Offenders will be liable for fines or imprisonment as follows:

• First-time offenders - Fine of up to $1,500, up to six months imprisonment or both.
• Repeat offenders - Fine of up to $3,000, up to 12 months imprisonment or both.
• Serious offenders - Fine of $2,000 to $10,000, up to 12 months imprisonment or both, in addition to any punishment for first-time or repeat offenders.
• Serious repeat offenders - Fine of $5,000 to $20,000, up to two years imprisonment or both, in addition to any punishment for first-time or repeat offenders.

The driving conduct will be evaluated by the court. As with dangerous and reckless driving, the above penalties apply when there has been no hurt, grievous hurt or death caused to another person as a result of dangerous or careless driving.

If the driver has been convicted of the offence and another person is injured or killed, the punishments are harsher. A first-time offender who causes the death of another person faces a fine of up to $10,000, up to three years in prison or both. Serious or repeat offenders get their licence suspended ormay be disqualified from driving for life.

In serious cases, the driver’s car might also be forfeited.

Use of mobile communication devices while driving

According to Section 65B of the Road Traffic Act 1961, any driver who is failing to comply with the law regarding mobile device use, such as having a mobile communication device in their hand and operating any of its communicative or other functions while driving a motor vehicle, is guilty of the offence of using a mobile device while driving a motor vehicle. The driving conduct will be scrutinized by the authorities.

That means that driving while using a mobile phone in your hand is an offence, whether you are talking to someone, recording a message or simply pressing a button.

If the driver has been convicted of the offence, they will be liable for fines or imprisonment as follows:

• First-time offenders - Fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
• Repeat offenders - Fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

Driving while under the influence

Anyone found guilty of drink driving in Singapore or driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs can be convicted under Section 67(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. The offence of driving a motor vehicle under the influence includes situations where the driving conduct is impaired by alcohol or drugs.

If the driver’s breath or blood contains enough alcohol to exceed the legal limit, they can be convicted of driving under the influence. The current legal limit will be reduced to 15 micrograms per 100 ml of breath later in 2026, down from the current limit of 35 micrograms per 100 ml of breath.

Any driver found unfit to drive to the point of not having proper control of the vehicle, regardless of the amount of alcohol, drugs, or psychoactive or intoxicating substance consumed, could also be convicted of driving under the influence. The driving conduct will be assessed by the court to determine liability.

If the driver has been convicted of drink driving, they will be liable for fines, imprisonment, and licence suspension.

The penalties for driving under the influence are as follows:

• First-time offenders - Fine of $2,000 to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, as well as disqualification from driving for at least two years.
• Repeat offenders - Fine of $5,000 to $20,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, as well as disqualification from driving for at least five years.

How do driving offences affect your car insurance in Singapore?

Will your car insurance still protect you if you are guilty of a driving offence? In general, serious driving offences like the offence of driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drink, etc. are likely to have a negative impact on your car insurance.

First of all, insurers will usually take your past driving offences into consideration when deciding whether to insure you, renew your policy and the terms of your policy. The driving record will be reviewed by insurers. Past offences could affect your eligibility, as well as the premiums and renewability of your policy.

It is also common for insurers to exclude drink-driving incidents from coverage.

For instance, Budget Direct’s Car Insurance excludes any incidents in which the insured driver was under the influence or any drugs or alcohol, regardless of the amount.

Some types of coverage may also be limited in the event of car accidents in which the insured driver is found guilty of an offence. For instance, third-party liability coverage may not be covered if you are found guilty of certain driving offences.

As an example, Budget Direct’s Car Insurance covers legal costs and expenses up to a specified limit if their insured face criminal charges for causing injury or death in an accident, but requires them to be reimbursed if the insured driver is convicted of reckless driving, dangerous driving, careless driving, inconsiderate driving or any other driving offence under the Road Traffic Act 1961 or the Penal Code 1871.

Doing your best to avoid committing driving offences and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only helps you to stay on the right side of the law but can also enable you to save on car insurance.

FAQ

What is the penalty for speeding in Singapore?

Drivers caught speeding in Singapore will receive 6 to 24 demerit points, as well as a composition fine of $200 to $400 or prosecution in court. In serious cases, offenders may face court fines or even licence suspension, depending on the severity of the offence. The date of the offence will determine which penalty standards apply.

What is the penalty for using the phone while driving in Singapore?

For first-time offenders, the penalty for using the phone while driving is a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. For repeat offenders, you may face court fines, higher penalties, or even longer imprisonment. The date of the offence will determine which penalty standards apply.

What is the penalty for drink driving in Singapore?

For first-time drink-driving offenders, the penalty is a fine of $2,000 to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, as well as disqualification from driving for at least two years. Repeat offenders may be disqualified from driving for at least 5 years or more, depending on the severity and frequency of the offence. In addition, drink-driving can result in licence suspension, and offenders may need to go through an appeal or review process to restore their driving privileges.

Sources & References

• At least 6 demerit points, S$200 fine for exceeding speed limit as harsher penalties kick in from Jan 1, Channel NewsAsia https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/enhanced-penalties-speeding-offences-demerit-points-mha-5156681
• Driver Improvement Points System, Singapore Police Force https://www.police.gov.sg/Knowledge-Hub/Traffic/Traffic-Matters/Driver-Improvement-Point-Systems
• Speed Limiter Announcement, Singapore Police Force https://www.police.gov.sg/Knowledge-Hub/Traffic/Traffic-Matters/Speed-Limiter-Announcement
• Road Traffic Act 1961 https://sso.agc.gov.sg/act/rta1961
• Lower drink driving limit, possible review of demerit points system in Singapore road safety push, Channel NewsAsia https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/drink-driving-limit-alcohol-demerit-points-system-review-road-safety-electric-vehicles-5958006

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