SINGAPORE — Seven motorists aged between 36 and 63 will be charged in court on 29 July 2025 for allegedly speeding while driving heavy vehicles, a serious offence under Singapore’s road traffic laws. These vehicles are legally required to be fitted with speed limiters, yet the drivers were caught exceeding either the vehicle’s regulatory limit of 60km/h or the speed limit of the road.
The Singapore Police Force revealed that the offences occurred between January and March 2025 and involved various types of heavy vehicles such as buses, tipper trucks, and tow trucks. All seven drivers will be charged under Section 63(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, with some facing additional charges under Section 63(1) for exceeding their vehicle’s imposed speed limit.
Breakdown of Speeding Incidents
Some of the key cases include:
- A 36-year-old tow truck driver was clocked at 74km/h on the Pan Island Expressway, where his vehicle limit was 60km/h.
- A 47-year-old bus driver hit 73km/h along Upper Changi Road East, also breaching the 60km/h limit.
- A 58-year-old bus driver exceeded the road’s speed limit of 50km/h by driving at 66km/h along Tuas Road.
- A 63-year-old tipper truck driver was found speeding at 73km/h on the Bukit Timah Expressway, surpassing the 60km/h cap for his vehicle.
Each of the offenders could face a fine of up to S$1,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both. For repeat offenders, the penalties increase to a S$2,000 fine, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both, along with possible disqualification from holding any class of driving licence.
Authorities Stress Importance of Speed Compliance
Speeding, especially involving heavy vehicles, is a significant public safety issue. According to the Traffic Police, high speeds in large vehicles pose a far greater danger due to their size and stopping distance. In accidents, this increases the risk of severe injuries or fatalities to other road users.
“Speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. It endangers not just the drivers, but everyone on the road,” a Traffic Police spokesperson said. “Motorists must strictly observe speed limits for the safety of all.”
Heavy Vehicle Speed Limiter Regulations Expanded
Under current regulations, all heavy vehicles with a maximum laden weight (MLW) above 12,000kg must be equipped with functioning speed limiters. Drivers caught speeding in such vehicles may be required to bring them for inspections to ensure the devices are operating correctly.
Failure to produce a vehicle for inspection when ordered is an offence under Section 87(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and carries penalties similar to those for speeding.
In a bid to further enhance road safety, lorries with a MLW between 3,501kg and 12,000kg will also be required to have speed limiters installed in phases. The public can refer to the Singapore Police Force website for the list of authorised agents and compliance timelines under Annex A.
Heavy vehicle owners are urged to comply with installation deadlines early, not only to meet regulatory requirements but to help ensure safer roads for everyone in Singapore.
Image Source: Singapor Police Force