Thirty-four motorists, aged between 24 and 63, will be charged in court on 19 December 2024 for drink driving offences. They were arrested between August and December 2024 after failing breathalyser tests administered during Police enforcement checks. Two of the motorists are repeated drink driving offenders and another two motorists face an additional charge of leaving a vehicle in a manner causing undue inconvenience to others.
For the two repeat drink driving offenders, aged 36 and 44, they were stopped for checks by the Police, and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol on 30 September 2024 and 5 November 2024 respectively. Both were previously convicted for drink driving. As repeat offenders, the men will be charged under Section 67(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 read with Section 67(2)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. If convicted, they will serve a mandatory jail sentence.
For the two motorists who face additional charges, a 52-year-old man and a 33-year-old man had left their cars in a stationary position along Airport Road and Brickland Road respectively. Their actions obstructed and potentially caused danger to other road users. Investigations revealed that both had driven their cars after allegedly consuming alcohol, and subsequently fell asleep behind the wheel. Both will be charged with drink driving and leaving a vehicle in a position causing undue inconvenience to others under Section 67(1)(b) and Section 122 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 respectively.
The offence of driving while under the influence of alcohol under Section 67(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, or a jail term of up to 12 months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the offence carries a fine ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, and a jail 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 a jail 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 a jail term of up to six months, or both.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is an extremely dangerous and irresponsible act. The Police do not condone drink driving and will not hesitate to take firm action against motorists who drink and drive. Members of the public should not drive 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 traffic laws to keep the roads safe for everyone, especially during the year-end festivities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
18 December 2024 @ 12:00 PM