Forty-one motorists, aged between 24 and 58, will be charged in court on 24 October 2024 for drink driving offences. These motorists were arrested between March and October 2024 when they failed the breathalyser tests during routine Police checks. Three of the motorists are repeat drink driving offenders and one of the motorists faces additional charges for other traffic offences.
For the three repeat drink driving offenders aged between 32 and 52, they were stopped for checks by the Police and were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The men had previous convictions for drink driving. For the current offence, they will be charged under Section 67(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. If convicted, they will serve a mandatory imprisonment sentence.
For the motorist who faces additional charges, the 29-year-old man left his car in a stationary position, at the road shoulder of Central Expressway, which caused danger and obstruction to other road users. Investigations revealed that the man had driven his car after allegedly consuming alcohol, and subsequently fell asleep behind the wheel. He will be charged for drink driving under Section 67(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and leaving a vehicle in a manner causing undue inconvenience to others under Section 122 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
The offence of driving while under the influence of alcohol under Section 67(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000, or an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the offence carries a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000, and an imprisonment term term of up to two years. Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.
The offence of leaving a vehicle in a manner causing undue inconvenience to others under Section 122 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $2,000, or an imprisonment term of up to three months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, motorists are liable to a fine of up to $5,000, or an imprisonment term of up to six months, or both.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is an extremely dangerous and irresponsible act. All motorists should refrain from driving if they intend to consume alcohol, and should opt for alternative forms of transport, such as taking a taxi or private hire vehicle, public transport, engaging the services of a valet, or designating a non-drinking driver to send them home. All motorists are reminded to abide by the traffic laws to keep the roads safe for everyone. The Traffic Police will not hesitate to take firm actions against motorists who choose to drink and drive.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
23 October 2024 @ 6:10 PM