Drunk driving in Singapore is a serious crime, with strict laws and harsh penalties to keep the roads safe. The country has a zero-tolerance policy, meaning even a small amount of alcohol can lead to serious consequences. If caught driving under the influence, offenders may face fines, suspension of their driving license, or even jail.
Singapore’s public campaigns warn of the dangers of drunk driving, aiming to prevent accidents and save lives. Both locals and visitors need to understand these strict rules to avoid trouble and help keep the roads safe.
In Singapore, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers is 0.08%. This means that if your BAC is above this level, you can be charged with drunk-driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your ability to think, react quickly, and make good decisions, so it’s important to remember that even a little alcohol can push your BAC over the limit. It’s safer to avoid driving after drinking, even if you don’t feel very drunk.
For commercial drivers or those with a driving license, the BAC limit is set at 0.00%, meaning they must be completely sober while driving. This strict rule is in place to protect public safety and the higher risks associated with commercial vehicles.
Every place has drunk-driving penalties. Drunk driving in Singapore has various penalties and is penalised under the Road Traffic Act (RTA). The RTA is an important part of legislation that helps maintain the behaviour of road users and motor vehicle use in Singapore.
There are various drunk driving penalties and punishments that the government has decided to give to drunk drivers in Singapore. Some of them are listed below:
Fines
In Singapore, the fine for drunk drivers is between $2000 and $10000. If the Blood Alcohol Concentration in the human body is found to be higher and the offence occurs various times, then the amount of the penalty can increase.
Imprisonment
Drunk drivers can even face up to 6-12 months of penalty as imprisonment. This means that they have to spend that duration of time in jail. Imprisonment as a penalty comes when the BAC level in the body is higher.
Forfeiture of Vehicle
If the person is too drunk and caught while driving, the court may even forfeit his vehicle.
Suspension of Licence
If someone is caught driving under the influence, the traffic police may immediately revoke your driving licence. This measure is taken to prevent unsafe drivers from being on the road until the court has reviewed and finalised something on their case.
Suspension of Driving Privileges
If the person doesn’t fulfill any of his penalties or fines, then the court may even disqualify the driver from driving the vehicle on the road. It is important to make sure you follow all the rules so that you face no trouble.
Some law firms in Singapore even provide consultations to evaluate your circumstances before moving forward. This initial assessment can be invaluable because it lays the groundwork for your defence strategy. Although the legal domain can be daunting, having a qualified attorney in Singapore by your side can greatly enhance your chances of achieving a favourable outcome.
If your traffic offence, for instance, a traffic accident involves a dispute, it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible. This evidence may include photographs, witness statements, and police reports. A skilled traffic accident lawyer in Singapore can utilise this evidence to establish mitigating factors or highlight errors in the investigation.
Strong evidence can greatly influence your case by lending credibility to your claims. Although the process may seem daunting, this preparation is essential for a favourable resolution.
In Singapore, courts consider the mindset of offenders. When confronted with a traffic offence, acknowledging your errors and displaying genuine remorse can significantly impact the resolution of your case and mitigate penalties. However, when seeking reduced penalties, it is crucial to convey sincere accountability for your actions.
If you hire a traffic lawyer in Singapore, they can advise you on effectively presenting these actions and your case in court, thereby enhancing your likelihood of receiving leniency. This strategy can illustrate that you are dedicated to becoming a safer driver going forward, although the process can be complex.
Most insurance companies will deny any claims for car damage caused by drunk driving. Regardless of the type of insurance policy you hold, they will not cover costs related to damage, injuries, or losses. This includes claims made under comprehensive car insurance. Offenders may have to pay for legal fees, vehicle repair or maintenance costs, and medical expenses out of their pockets.
Traffic Lawyers in Singapore say that drunk driving is a leading cause of accidents and deaths on the road. Alcohol affects a driver's ability to think clearly and react quickly, which increases the risk of accidents. The driving sense of the person decreases which distracts him from the road.
In Singapore, drunk driving has caused many accidents, so the authorities take strong steps to prevent it. Campaigns like “Don’t Drink and Drive” help raise awareness about the dangers of driving after drinking. The Singapore Police Force also sets up random checkpoints to test drivers for alcohol, making it difficult for people to drive under the influence. By following the law and not drunk driving on the road, we all help make the road safe for everyone.
One of the best things about Singapore is that they make sure that all citizens are safe and that people ensure safe driving on the roads. To control this, they have reduced the drunk driving approach and provided practical solutions to reach home safely after drinking. Instead of driving the vehicle on their own, they can choose public transport to avoid any trouble and contribute towards road safety.
Various buses operate on weekends and late nights. Drunk people can easily get on public transport and reach their destination safely.
These services offer a simple and efficient way to get home safely without driving. Many individuals choose these services after a night out drinking, as they can be called through an app directly to their location.
When you are partying with a group of friends, it becomes easy to reach back your home. You wonder how? You can designate any of your friends to be the driver of the night. The designated person shall remain sober, enjoy the party without drinking, and take everyone back to their home safely.
To tackle the issue of drunk driving in Singapore, the government with non-profit groups has started various public education campaigns. These programs aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and encourage people to drink responsibly and drive safely.
The Singapore Police Force and Traffic Police regularly organise road safety campaigns, working with local media, schools, and community groups to spread the message. They use TV ads, posters, and social media to reach a wide audience.
In addition to government campaigns, many companies also run programs to promote safe driving. These include offering free or discounted rides for people who have been drinking and providing safer alternatives to driving under the influence.
Also Read: Motor Accidents Claim in Singapore
With so many traffic offences in Singapore, the laws under the RTA must be strictly followed. Drivers should understand the consequences of drunk driving and ensure their safety always.
Looking for a traffic lawyer and traffic accident lawyer in Singapore? Get in touch with Bishop Law. We are a criminal law firm that has a strong understanding of criminal law in Singapore. Our lawyers are experienced and ensure to protect your rights always. Contact us now to advance your case.
1. Will a drunk driving offence be always there on the record?
Yes! If you are found guilty, a drunk driving case will always be there in your licence record.
2. What is the Blood Alcohol Concentration limit for driving in Singapore?
The legal BAC limit for driving in Singapore is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or you could simply say 0.08% BAC.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
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