A Tada private-hire driver in Singapore has sparked heated discussion online after sharing that one of his riders secretly vaped during a trip. Posting in a driver community group, The driver revealed that he caught the rider puffing an e-cigarette discreetly in the backseat, leaving him unsure whether to report the incident or ignore it.
“I don’t like trouble,” he wrote, questioning if drivers are legally obligated to report such offences. His post quickly attracted strong reactions from fellow drivers and netizens, with opinions split on how such cases should be handled.
Split Opinions Among Drivers
Some commenters advised the driver to simply “close one eye” and focus on his job, suggesting that confronting riders could escalate tensions unnecessarily. Others, however, were firm in their stance that reporting is the right thing to do.
The driver said: “Tada driver no money. No reward. High chance kanna one star. Waste time. Unless legally I am required la. Arbo I prefer to ignore.”
One commenter said, “You are obligated as a human being. If you know and don’t report, you can also be charged for abetment.” Another urged drivers to be cautious, warning that riders might even leave contraband items in the car.
A few drivers shared personal experiences, including riders openly asking if they could vape during rides. “I told one passenger, if you want to vape, I can bring you to the police station. They immediately shut up,” a driver commented, highlighting how common such encounters have become.
Legal and Safety Concerns
Vaping has been banned in Singapore since 2018, with offenders facing fines of up to S$2,000. Authorities also encourage members of the public to report vaping-related offences, with an official online form available for submissions.
Some drivers argued that reporting protects not only the community but also the drivers themselves, since inhaling second-hand vapour inside a confined car could pose health risks. “By reporting, you might be saving someone’s life,” one commenter noted.
Still, others admitted they would rather avoid reporting, citing potential hassles such as poor passenger ratings or wasted time with no financial reward.
The debate reflects a growing challenge faced by PHV drivers, who often have to balance professionalism with law enforcement considerations when riders break rules inside their cars.