A five-day island-wide enforcement blitz conducted by Traffic Police (TP) against errant road users from 13 to 17 November 2023 resulted in three arrests and 159 summonses being issued.
The 159 summonses were issued for traffic violations such as speeding, red-light running, failing to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile communication device while driving, wearing an unapproved helmet and using a helmet fitted with a visor not of an approved type. Two motorists were placed under arrest for offences such as driving a motor vehicle without a valid driving licence and/or driving a motor vehicle without insurance coverage. The third motorist arrested was wanted by the Police for failing to attend court to answer for his actions in committing traffic offences such as failing to conform to red light signal, careless driving without due care and attention, failing to wear a seatbelt, permitting another person to use a vehicle without a valid driving licence and failing to stop after an accident.
Owners of vehicles should take responsibility to check that the driver using their vehicles are holding valid driving licences. This can be done online via ‘Status of Driving Licence’ under E-Services of the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) website. The offence of permitting another person to use a vehicle without a valid driving licence under Section 35(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a maximum fine of $10,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders may face a maximum fine of $20,000, a jail term of up to six years, or both.
Motorists may also check for records of outstanding traffic summonses issued by the Traffic Police online via ‘Status of Outstanding Traffic Offence and Payment of Fines’ under E-Services of the SPF website. A warrant of arrest may be issued against offenders who ignore their traffic summonses.
Commander of Traffic Police, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Daniel Tan said, “The Traffic Police will continue to take firm action against motorists and pedestrians who choose to flout traffic laws and endanger the safety of other road users. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and everyone must abide by the traffic rules to keep the roads safe for everyone.”.
Annex A
Penalties of Mentioned Offences
Driving Without a Valid Driving Licence
The offence of driving without a valid driving licence under Sec 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a maximum fine of $10,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $20,000, a jail term of up to six years or both. The vehicle may also be forfeited.
Using a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance Coverage
The offence of using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage under Sec 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 carries a maximum fine of $1,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Taking a Motor Vehicle Without the Owner’s Consent
The offence of taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent under Sec 96(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a maximum fine of $1,0000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Speeding
The offence of speeding under Sec 63(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a maximum fine of $1,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $2,000, a jail term of up to six months or both.
Failing to Conform to Red Light Signal
The offence of failing to conform to red light signal under Rule 11(f)(i) of the Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Rules carries a maximum fine of $1,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Failing to Wear a Seatbelt
The offence of failing to wear a seatbelt under Rule 4 of the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Wearing of Seat Belts) Rules 2011 carries a maximum fine of $1,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Using a Mobile Communication Device While Driving
The offence of using a mobile communication device while driving under Section 65B(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a maximum fine of $1,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.
Using a Helmet With a Visor of Not an Approved Type, Failing to Secure the Helmet, and Using an Unapproved Helmet
The offences of using a helmet with a visor of not an approved type, failing to secure the helmet, and using an unapproved helmet under Sec 74(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carry a maximum fine of $1,000, a jail term of up to three months or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $2,000, a jail term of up to six months or both.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
25 November 2023 @ 10:25 AM