A 16-year-old girl is assisting police with investigations after she was allegedly caught riding a deregistered motorcycle along the East Coast Parkway (ECP) without holding a valid driving licence.
The case came to light following a routine Traffic Police patrol on 5 February at around 5.40pm. Officers stopped the motorcyclist along the expressway and conducted checks, which reportedly uncovered a series of traffic-related offences.
Preliminary findings indicated that the teenager did not possess a valid motorcycle licence. Further checks also revealed that the motorcycle she was riding had been deregistered, raising additional legal and road safety concerns.
Multiple Alleged Offences Under Investigation
According to a police statement, the teenager is being investigated for several potential offences under Singapore’s road traffic laws. These include operating a deregistered vehicle, riding without a valid driving licence, using a vehicle without a valid vehicle licence, and riding without insurance coverage.
Adding to the seriousness of the situation, a second 16-year-old girl was reportedly travelling as a pillion rider at the time. Authorities noted that this arrangement placed not only the two teenagers at risk but also other motorists using the busy expressway.
Photographs released by the police showed the motorcycle without side mirrors. The vehicle has since been seized as part of investigations.
In Singapore, strict compliance with vehicle registration, insurance and licensing rules forms a key pillar of road safety enforcement. Traffic violations, particularly those involving underage drivers, are treated seriously given the potential consequences on high-speed roads such as the ECP.
Possible Penalties If Convicted
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, individuals found guilty of riding a motor vehicle while under the legal age of 18 may face a fine of up to S$1,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Using a deregistered vehicle carries a heavier penalty, with offenders liable to a fine of up to S$2,000, up to three months’ imprisonment, or both. Operating a vehicle without a valid vehicle licence may also result in a fine of up to S$2,000.
Meanwhile, riding without insurance coverage under the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 can attract a fine of up to S$1,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Safety Risks Highlighted by Authorities
Police emphasised that deregistered vehicles pose significant safety concerns. Such vehicles may not meet roadworthiness standards and are not protected by valid insurance coverage. In the event of an accident, financial liability and compensation claims could become highly complicated, potentially leading to substantial legal costs.
When vehicles are operated by unlicensed or underage individuals, the risk factor increases further. Road safety experts have long warned that inexperience combined with high-speed expressway conditions can lead to severe traffic accidents and insurance disputes.
Investigations are ongoing. Authorities have reiterated that strict enforcement will continue to safeguard road users and maintain safety standards across Singapore’s transport network.