The Traffic Police (TP) conducted an island-wide enforcement operation during the early hours of Thursday, 20 October 2016. The operation was targeted at errant motorists who were found to be drink-driving.
77 drivers were stopped and tested for alcohol consumption at various road blocks set up across Singapore. 15 men and 3 women, aged between 22 and 58, failed the test and were arrested for drink-driving. The highest Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test result was 63 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is almost double the prescribed legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
Drink drivers, upon conviction, will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months. They will lose their driving licences and have to retake and pass the theory and practical driving tests in order to obtain their driving licences again. In addition, first-time offenders can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000 and can have their driving licences disqualified for a period ranging from 12 to 48 months, depending on their BEA test results. Repeat offenders may be punished with a maximum fine of $30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. They may also receive up to 6 strokes of the cane should death or serious injury be caused.
Superintendent Ho Yenn Dar, Head Operations and Training Branch of Traffic Police said “Drink-driving is a serious offence. It poses a danger not only to the driver but to other road users too. Although the number of drink-driving related accidents has decreased in the first 6 months of this year, the Police will continue to clamp down on such irresponsible road behaviour. Don’t drink and drive. Be home safely for your loved ones.”
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 October 2016 @ 4:00 PM