Singapore is preparing to tighten its road safety framework with a significant reduction in the legal drink-driving threshold, alongside a potential overhaul of the long-standing demerit points system. The move comes amid growing concern over rising traffic violations and a worrying spike in road fatalities.
Speaking in Parliament, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann confirmed that the permissible alcohol limit for drivers will be lowered from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 15 micrograms. Legislative amendments are expected to be introduced later this year.
The change will align Singapore’s standards more closely with jurisdictions such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where stricter thresholds are already in place. Authorities cited research showing that impairment can occur at lower alcohol concentrations, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
Tougher Penalties And Possible Demerit System Overhaul
The Ministry of Home Affairs is also reviewing the Driver Improvement Points System, commonly known as the demerit points system. Proposed changes include lowering the maximum number of points a motorist can accumulate before suspension and extending suspension durations for repeat offenders.
Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong highlighted that road fatalities have reached their highest level in a decade. Speeding cases surged by 26 per cent compared to the previous year, while red-light violations and related accidents climbed by 27 per cent.
Under existing laws, first-time drink-driving offenders face fines ranging from S$2,000 to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined between S$5,000 and S$20,000 and jailed for up to two years. Driving disqualification periods start from a minimum of two years for first offences and five years for subsequent convictions.
The government is also studying whether to introduce a new offence targeting drivers who deliberately endanger others, potentially carrying harsher maximum penalties than current dangerous driving provisions.
Differentiated Licence Plates For Electric Vehicles
Beyond enforcement, authorities are exploring operational improvements linked to the growing electric vehicle (EV) population. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Transport are assessing the feasibility of distinct licence plates for EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Such identifiers would allow the Singapore Civil Defence Force to respond more effectively during vehicle fires. While EV fires are statistically less common than those involving internal combustion engines, they present different hazards, including intense heat and potential battery re-ignition. Clear identification could help emergency responders establish wider safety perimeters and adopt specialised firefighting techniques.
By the end of last year, EVs accounted for 7.4 per cent of Singapore’s total car population, nearly doubling from 4 per cent the year before. They also made up approximately 45 per cent of all new car registrations, reflecting strong growth in green mobility adoption.
Authorities will consult industry stakeholders and EV owners before finalising the plate design, with further details expected later this year. As Singapore strengthens its traffic enforcement strategy and invests in advanced enforcement technology, the latest measures signal a firm stance against reckless driving and a broader push towards safer, smarter roads.