18 motorists were arrested for drink-driving-related offences in an island-wide operation conducted by the Traffic Police (TP) in the early morning of Saturday, 23 December 2023.
56 motorists were stopped and tested for alcohol consumption at various roadblocks set up across Singapore. Ten men and seven women, aged between 23 and 70 years, failed the test and were arrested for drink-driving. The highest Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test result was 97 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is more than double the prescribed legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. A 35-year-old male driver was arrested for the offence of failing to provide a specimen of evidential breath for analysis when required to do so under Section 70(4)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Of the 18 motorists, two motorists were also arrested for their suspected involvement in an evasion of roadblock. TP officers were conducting a roadblock along Upper Cross Street towards Central Expressway when a car stopped a distance before the roadblock. When officers approached the car, the driver reversed and drove off. She then swapped seats with another passenger in the car.
The 31-year-old female driver was arrested for suspected drink-driving under Section 67(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, evasion of roadblock under Section 26(2) of the Police Force Act 2004, driving without a valid driving licence under Section 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, driving a motor vehicle without insurance coverage under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 and obstructing the course of justice under Section 204A of the Penal Code 1871.
The 28-year-old female passenger, who was the owner of that car, had permitted the woman to drive her car despite knowing that she did not possess a valid driving licence. She was arrested for drink-driving under Section 67(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, permitting another person to use a vehicle without a valid driving licence under Section 35(2) Road Traffic Act 1961, permitting any other person to use a vehicle without insurance coverage under Section 3(2) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 and obstructing the course of justice under Section 204A of the Penal Code 1871.
The offence of driving while under the influence of alcohol under Section 67(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000, or an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the offence carries a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000, and an imprisonment term of up to two years. Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.
The offence of failing to provide a specimen of evidential breath for analysis when required to do so under 70(4)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000, or an imprisonment term of up to 12 months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the offence carries a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000, and an imprisonment term of up to two years. Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.
The offence of evasion of roadblock under Section 26(2) of the Police Force Act 2004 carries a fine of up to $10,000, or an imprisonment term of up to 7 years, or both.
The offence of driving without a valid driving licence under Section 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $10,000, or an imprisonment term of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $20,000, or an imprisonment term of up to six years, or both. The vehicle may also be forfeited.
The offence of using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 carries a fine of up to $1,000, or an imprisonment term of up to three months, or both.
The Deputy Commanding Officer of Patrol Unit, Traffic Police, Superintendent Puteh Shariff said, “Drink-driving is an extremely dangerous and irresponsible act which endangers the safety of all road users. The Traffic Police takes a serious stance against those who drink and drive and will not hesitate to take firm actions against those who do. Offenders will be prosecuted in court”.
While motorists are out enjoying themselves during the festive season, they are reminded not to drink and drive. TP would also like to remind motorists that for the safety of all road users, motorists should refrain from driving to the venue if they intend to consume alcohol. Instead, they 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 sober friend or family member to send them home.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
23 December 2023 @ 3:00 PM