Singapore Traffic Rules Every Car Renter Must Know 2025

Singapore has strict traffic laws. Here's what every car renter must know to stay safe and avoid fines.

Speed Limits

Standard Limits

• Expressways: 90 km/h
• Normal roads: 50 km/h
• School zones: 40 km/h (during school hours)
• Residential areas: 40 km/h
• Silver zones: 40 km/h (elderly areas)

Speed Camera Enforcement

• Fixed cameras at known locations
• Mobile speed traps common
• Average speed cameras on expressways
• Fines: $130-$200 for first offense
• Points: 4-24 demerit points depending on excess

Critical Rules

1. Seat Belts

• Mandatory for all passengers
• Front and rear seats
• Fine: $120 per violation
• Driver responsible for all passengers

2. Mobile Phone Use

• Completely banned while driving
• Includes stopped at traffic lights
• Hands-free allowed (not recommended)
• Fine: $200 + 12 demerit points
• Court prosecution for repeat offenders

3. Drink Driving

• Zero tolerance
• Legal limit: 35 micrograms per 100ml breath
• Random breath tests common
• Fine: Up to $10,000 + jail + driving ban
• Don't drink and drive - period

4. Red Light Running

• Strictly enforced with cameras
• Fine: $230 + 12 demerit points
• Includes amber gambling
• Better to stop safely than rush

5. Illegal Parking

• Tow-away zones strictly enforced
• Fine: $70-$150
• Towing fee: Additional $150+
• Check signs carefully

Traffic Light Rules

Amber Light

• Stop if safe to do so
• Only proceed if cannot stop safely
• Do not accelerate to beat red light

Green Arrow

• Protected turn signal
• Right of way over other traffic
• Still check for pedestrians

Flashing Amber

• Proceed with caution
• Give way to main road traffic
• Common at night at quiet junctions

Give Way Rules

Roundabouts

• Give way to traffic from the right
• Signal before exiting
• Stay in left lane for first exit
• No U-turns at roundabouts

Pedestrian Crossings

• Must stop for pedestrians crossing
• Zebra crossings: Pedestrians have absolute right
• Pelican crossings: Obey signals
• Fine: $200 for failing to give way

Pedestrians Always Win

• At all marked crossings
• When turning into side roads
• In housing estates
• Fines and points for violations

Lane Discipline

Keep Left

• Right lanes for overtaking only
• Return to left after overtaking
• Road hogging fine: $130

No Weaving

• Stay in lane
• Signal before changing
• Check blind spots
• Give way when merging

Yellow Box Junctions

• Do not enter unless exit is clear
• Fine even if traffic light is green
• Fine: $130

Special Zones

School Zones

• Reduced speed during school hours
• Watch for children
• Strict enforcement during term time

Silver Zones

• Areas with many elderly residents
• 40 km/h speed limit
• Enhanced pedestrian safety features
• Extra caution needed

Common Fines (2025 Rates)

Offense	Fine	Demerit Points
Speeding (1-20 km/h)	$130	4
Speeding (21-40 km/h)	$180	6-8
Red light violation	$230	12
Mobile phone use	$200	12
No seat belt	$120	-
Illegal parking	$70	-
Careless driving	$200	9
Beating red light	$230	12

Demerit Points System

For Foreign Drivers

• Points recorded against license
• 24 points in 2 years = suspension
• Rental companies notified
• May affect future rentals

Point Accumulation

• Points stay for 2 years
• Serious offenses: Court appearance
• Multiple offenses: Higher penalties

Unique Singapore Rules

1. No Honking in Certain Areas

• 11:30pm to 7am: Quiet zones
• Near hospitals
• Fine for unnecessary honking

2. Mandatory Headlights

• During rain
• In tunnels
• When visibility poor

3. Bus Lanes

• Operational hours on signs
• Fine: $130 for unauthorized use
• Usually 7:30-9:30am, 5-8pm weekdays

4. Heavy Vehicle Restrictions

• Some roads banned 7-10pm weekdays
• Not applicable to cars
• Watch for signs

Accident Procedures

If Involved in Accident

1. Stop immediately
2. Call police if injuries: 999
3. Exchange information with other party
4. Take photos of damage
5. Call rental company immediately
6. File police report within 24 hours

Report Required If:

• Any injury
• Damage over $3,000
• Government property damaged
• Hit and run

Practical Tips

1. Defensive Driving

• Assume others will make mistakes
• Keep safe following distance
• Watch for motorcycles (everywhere!)
• Be patient in heavy traffic

2. Navigation

• Use GPS/Waze
• Plan route before starting
• Understand road signs
• Know your exits on expressways

3. Parking

• Always check signs
• Use apps (Parking.sg)
• Keep receipts
• Park within marked lots

4. Rainy Weather

• Reduce speed significantly
• Turn on headlights
• Beware of flooding
• Increase following distance

Tourist-Specific Advice

Left-Hand Traffic

• This is critical if you're from right-hand traffic country
• Take extra care when turning
• Passenger can help remind you
• Consider avoiding peak hours initially

Getting Used to It

• First few hours: Stay on quieter roads
• Avoid expressways until comfortable
• Practice in parking lots
• Don't be pressured by other drivers

Know Before You Go

• Study road signs
• Understand traffic light sequences
• Learn roundabout rules
• Know pedestrian crossing rules

Ready to drive safely in Singapore? Rent with ClearPath Rentals and drive with confidence!