An extensive island-wide operation against drink-driving was conducted by the Traffic Police (TP) between Friday, 20 December and Saturday, 21 December 2024. The operation involved roadblocks set up on expressways, the first time this was done in more than 10 years. Twelve motorists were arrested for various traffic-related offences in the island-wide operation.
During the operation, 74 motorists were stopped and tested for alcohol consumption. Ten men and a woman, aged between 31 and 58, failed their breathalyser test and were arrested for drink-driving. The highest Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test result was 60 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is close to twice the prescribed legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. In addition to his drink-driving offence, a 45-year-old man was also arrested for driving whilst under disqualification under Section 43(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. His irresponsible act was exacerbated by the presence of his wife and his 9-year-old child in the car, demonstrating a blatant disregard for both the law and his family’s safety.
Another 28-year-old male driver was arrested for the offences of driving without a valid driving licence under Section 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and driving a motor vehicle without insurance coverage under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960.
While members of the public may be accustomed to seeing roadblocks conducted on arterial roads, roadblocks can also be set up in various other locations and terrains, including expressways. As TP intensifies its enforcement actions against drink-driving to deliver a strong deterrent message to potential offenders, we seek the public’s understanding that some inconvenience to motorists during our operations may be unavoidable.
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 whilst under disqualification under Section 43(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $10,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $20,000, a jail term of up to six years, or both. The vehicle may also be forfeited.
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 a jail term of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $20,000, or a jail term of up to six years, or both. The vehicles 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 a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Head of Research, Planning and Organisational Development Branch, Traffic Police, Superintendent of Police Lian Weixiong said, “Drink-driving is a serious offence, and the Traffic Police have zero tolerance for it. Drunk drivers don’t just break the law, they shatter lives and tear families apart. Our officers are out in full force during this year-end period to enforce against drink-driving. The rule is simple: If you drink, don’t drive.”
The number of drink-driving accidents has been on an upward trend, increasing from 175 cases in 2022 to 180 cases in 2023, the highest since 2014. This concerning trend continues in 2024, with 142 cases of drink-driving accidents recorded between January to October 2024, ten of which were fatal accidents.
TP urges all motorists to make responsible choices and keep the roads safe for everyone, especially during the year-end festivities. The consequences of drink-driving extend far beyond legal penalties – it affects families and puts innocent lives at risk. 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 service of a valet, or designating a non-drinking driver to send them home. Your loved ones are waiting for you to return home safe.
Photos of a roadblock conducted along the Central Expressway ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
25 December 2024 @ 5:00 AM