Singapore – Driving

Road Safety, Road Quality, and Local Driving Standards in Singapore

Singapore is known for its excellent road safety record, well-maintained roads, and high driving standards. The country has strict traffic laws and regulations in place to ensure the safety of all road users. Here’s an overview of road safety, road quality, and local driving standards in Singapore:

Road Safety:

• Singapore has stringent traffic laws and enforces them rigorously to ensure road safety.
• Strict penalties, including fines and demerit points, are imposed for traffic violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• The use of seat belts is mandatory for all occupants in the vehicle, and child passengers must be secured in appropriate child restraints.
• Mobile phone usage while driving is prohibited unless a hands-free device is used.

Road Quality:

• Singapore boasts a well-maintained road infrastructure, with smooth and well-marked roads.
• The road network is continually upgraded and expanded to accommodate the growing population and enhance traffic flow.
• Highways and expressways are equipped with modern features such as electronic toll collection, making travel more efficient.

Local Driving Standards:

• Singaporean drivers are generally disciplined and adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
• Aggressive driving and road rage are uncommon, contributing to a more pleasant driving experience.
• Drivers are expected to be courteous and yield to pedestrians and other road users.

Equipment Required in Your Car

When driving in Singapore, it’s essential to have certain equipment in your vehicle to comply with local regulations. The mandatory equipment includes:

• Warning Triangle: A reflective warning triangle is compulsory and must be placed at a visible distance from the rear of the vehicle in the event of a breakdown.

• Spare Tire and Tools: Your car should have a serviceable spare tire, along with the necessary tools to change it.

• First Aid Kit: It is advisable to carry a first aid kit to provide immediate medical assistance if needed.

• Fire Extinguisher: While not mandatory, carrying a fire extinguisher is recommended for added safety.

What to Do in the Event of a Road Accident

In the unfortunate event of a road accident in Singapore, here are the steps you must take:

1. Stop and Ensure Safety: Stop your vehicle at a safe location, switch on hazard lights, and assess the situation for any injuries or hazards.

2. Call for Help: Dial 995 for emergency assistance if there are injuries or a potential threat to safety. For non-emergencies, you can call the Traffic Police at 6547 0000.

3. Exchange Particulars: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved in the accident.

4. File an Accident Report: If there are injuries or damage to property exceeding a certain amount, you must file a report at the nearest Neighbourhood Police Post (NPP) or Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) within 24 hours.

5. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved and any damages or injuries.

6. Cooperate with Authorities: Cooperate fully with the traffic police and emergency services during their investigation.

Main Driving Rules in Singapore

To ensure a smooth driving experience in Singapore, it’s crucial to adhere to the following driving rules:

• Driving Side: In Singapore, driving is on the left side of the road.

• Speed Limits: The speed limits on expressways typically range from 80 to 90 km/h, while on major roads, it is 60 km/h. In residential areas, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h.

• Right of Way: Vehicles must yield to pedestrians at zebra crossings and give way to vehicles on the right at uncontrolled intersections.

• Seat Belts: The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, and child passengers must be secured in appropriate child restraints.

• Mobile Phones: The use of handheld mobile phones while driving is prohibited. Drivers must use hands-free devices if they need to make calls.

• Drunk Driving: The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a severe offense.

• Bus Lanes: Be cautious of bus lanes and avoid driving in them during operational hours, as they are reserved for buses.

• Electronic Road Pricing (ERP): Certain roads in Singapore implement ERP, which is an electronic toll system. Make sure your vehicle has a valid In-vehicle Unit (IU) to pay the tolls.

Road Signs and Traffic Lights

Understanding road signs and traffic lights is crucial for safe driving in Singapore. Here are some essential road signs and how traffic lights work:

Road Signs:

• Stop Sign: Indicates a mandatory stop. You must come to a complete stop at the stop line.

• Give Way Sign: Indicates that you must give way to vehicles on the main road.

• No Entry Sign: Prohibits entry into a specific road or area.

• Speed Limit Sign: Indicates the maximum speed limit on that road.

• Pedestrian Crossing Sign: Indicates the presence of a pedestrian crossing ahead.

Traffic Lights:

• Red Light: Stop at the stop line and wait for the light to turn green.

• Green Light: Proceed when the road is clear and safe.

• Yellow Light: The signal is about to change to red. Prepare to stop unless it’s unsafe to do so.

Up-to-Date Road Traffic Information and Relevant Websites

For up-to-date road traffic information in Singapore, you can refer to the following websites:

• Land Transport Authority (LTA): The LTA website (https://www.lta.gov.sg/) provides real-time traffic updates, road closures, and information on expressway incidents.

• One Motoring: One Motoring (https://www.onemotoring.com.sg/) is a comprehensive portal that offers traffic updates, road maps, and useful information for drivers.

• MyTransport.SG: The MyTransport.SG app provides real-time traffic updates and information on public transport services.

Parking Rules and Parking Permits

Parking in Singapore is regulated to manage limited parking spaces efficiently. Here are some important parking rules:

• Public Parking Lots: Always park within designated parking lots. Illegally parked vehicles may be fined or towed.

• Coupon Parking: In some areas, you must display parking coupons indicating your parking duration. Ensure you purchase and display the correct coupons.

• Electronic Parking System (EPS): Many parking lots in Singapore operate on an EPS, where you pay using a CashCard or credit card.

• Season Parking: If you need regular parking in specific areas, you can apply for season parking from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) or Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Parking for Expats:

• Expats living in residential areas with high population density may face parking challenges, especially in areas with limited public parking spaces.

• Many expats residing in condominiums or private estates have access to dedicated parking lots or car park facilities within the premises.

Disabled Parking

Singapore provides designated parking spaces for disabled individuals, marked with the international wheelchair symbol. To use these spaces, drivers must display a valid Disabled Persons’ Parking Scheme (DPPS) label on their vehicles. The DPPS label is issued to eligible individuals with mobility disabilities, and it

allows them to park in designated spaces reserved for their convenience.

Please note that the information provided in this article is based on general practices in Singapore, and specific procedures and regulations may vary. It is always advisable to consult with relevant authorities and refer to official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.