21 motorists, aged between 31 and 68, will be charged in court on 20 February 2025 for drink-driving offences. They were arrested between July 2024 and February 2025 after failing breathalyser tests administered during Police enforcement checks. Three of the motorists are repeat drink-driving offenders and one of them is also facing an additional charge of driving without due care or reasonable consideration.
Two men, aged 42 and 41 years old, were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol on 6 July 2024 and 14 December 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 and punishable under Section 67(1) read with Section 67(2)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. If convicted, they will serve a mandatory jail sentence.
For the case involving an additional charge, a 68-year-old man had driven against flow of traffic by entering a carpark along Lorong 1 Toa Payoh on 20 August 2024. As he was unable to enter the carpark via the gantry, he reversed his vehicle and mounted the right-side road kerb. Investigations revealed that he was a repeat drink driving offender. He will be charged with drink-driving and driving without due care and reasonable consideration under Section 67(1)(b) and Section 65(5) 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 driving without due care or reasonable consideration under Section 65(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $1,500, or imprisonment term of up to six months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, motorists are liable to a fine of up to $3,000, or an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or both. Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.
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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
19 February 2025 @ 7:16 PM