Singapore is set to introduce tougher road traffic laws aimed at improving road safety, with harsher punishments for dangerous driving offences and significantly lower drink-driving limits among the key changes proposed.
The amendments were tabled in Parliament on July 7 through the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill by Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann. The proposed changes come as authorities continue to grapple with a rise in road fatalities and traffic violations over the past few years.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), traffic deaths increased by about 24 per cent between 2021 and 2025, while traffic violations rose by approximately 38 per cent during the same period. Officials said stronger measures are needed to reverse the trend and make Singapore’s roads safer for all users.
The Bill introduces a range of new offences and enhanced penalties targeting motorists who engage in dangerous, reckless or irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel.
New Offence for Purposeful Endangerment
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new offence covering drivers who deliberately use their vehicles to endanger others and subsequently cause death or grievous hurt.
Authorities said vehicles can become dangerous weapons when intentionally misused, and existing offences may not adequately reflect the seriousness of such conduct.
Under the proposed law, offenders convicted of purposeful endangerment causing death or grievous hurt could face mandatory imprisonment of up to 15 years. They may also be fined or caned depending on the circumstances of the offence.
In addition, offenders will generally face lifetime driving disqualification unless the court determines there are special reasons not to impose such a penalty. Even in those cases, a minimum disqualification period of 10 years may still apply.
The courts will also be given powers to order the forfeiture of vehicles used in such incidents.
Jail Terms to Increase for Serious Driving Offences
The amendments will also increase penalties for dangerous driving that results in grievous hurt.
Currently, first-time offenders convicted of dangerous driving causing grievous hurt face a maximum jail term of five years. Under the proposed changes, the maximum sentence will rise to seven years.
Repeat offenders could face up to 13 years’ imprisonment, up from the current maximum of 10 years.
The government noted that grievous injuries can leave victims permanently disabled or bedbound, resulting in lifelong consequences that warrant stronger deterrence.
Meanwhile, penalties for careless driving causing grievous hurt will remain unchanged, although serious offenders who commit such offences while under the influence of alcohol could face longer additional jail terms than they currently do.
Drink-Driving Limits Set to Be Lowered
The Bill also seeks to significantly tighten Singapore’s drink-driving thresholds.
If passed, the prescribed alcohol limit for breath tests will be reduced from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 15 micrograms. Blood alcohol limits will also be lowered from 80 milligrams per 100ml to 30 milligrams per 100ml.
The revised limits will align Singapore more closely with jurisdictions such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where stricter alcohol limits are already in place.
Authorities stressed that there is no universally safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed before driving, as impairment varies depending on factors such as body composition, age and health conditions.
The ministry advised motorists not to drink at all if they intend to drive, describing abstinence as the safest option.
New Drug-Driving Offence and Improved Enforcement
Another major change is the creation of a new offence covering drivers found with controlled drugs, intoxicating substances or psychoactive substances in their bloodstream while driving.
Currently, authorities must prove that a driver was incapable of properly controlling a vehicle before enforcement action can be taken. Under the proposed law, the presence of prohibited substances alone may be sufficient for prosecution.
Exceptions may apply for individuals taking legally prescribed medication for medical purposes, provided they were unaware the medication could impair their ability to drive.
The legislation also introduces measures aimed at improving enforcement efficiency.
Traffic Police officers will be able to rely on handheld evidential breath analysers capable of producing legally admissible results at the roadside, eliminating the need for separate follow-up testing at police facilities.
In addition, automated systems may be used to process certain traffic offences such as speeding and red-light violations. Vehicle owners will continue to have the right to appeal if they believe an offence was wrongly detected or issued.
Stronger Deterrence Against Dangerous Behaviour
The proposed amendments reflect Singapore’s broader push to improve road safety through tougher penalties, enhanced enforcement capabilities and stricter regulations.
By targeting dangerous driving, drink-driving and drug-driving offences more aggressively, authorities hope to deter irresponsible behaviour and reduce the number of serious accidents occurring on local roads.
If passed, the changes will represent one of the most significant updates to Singapore’s road traffic laws in recent years, sending a clear message that reckless conduct behind the wheel will attract severe consequences.