Singapore cracks down on drink-driving, slashing alcohol limit by half
Singapore is set to more than halve the legal alcohol limit for drivers under proposed changes aimed at deterring drink-driving, in a bid to toughen up road safety laws.
The measures are part of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, introduced in Parliament on Monday by senior minister of state for Home Affairs Sim Ann.
If passed, the legal alcohol limit for breath tests will be reduced from 35 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 15mcg, while the blood alcohol limit will fall from 80 milligrams (mg) to 30mg per 100ml of blood.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the lower limits would bring Singapore into line with jurisdictions such as Japan and South Korea.
“There is no ‘safe’ number of alcoholic drinks before driving,” the ministry said, noting that alcohol affects individuals differently depending on factors including age, sex, health and body composition.
It urged motorists not to drink at all if they intend to drive.
The ministry said drink-driving was a deliberate choice rather than an accident, arguing that offenders knowingly put themselves and other road users at risk.
The reduced alcohol limits were first announced during February’s debate on the ministry’s budget.
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Behind bars for high-level drink-driving
MHA also said it will work with the Sentencing Advisory Panel to develop guidelines recommending imprisonment for first-time drink-driving offenders found with very high blood alcohol levels.
The proposed changes form part of a broader package of reforms intended to improve road safety after a rise in fatal crashes and traffic offences.
According to the ministry, the traffic fatality rate has increased by about 24% since 2021, while traffic violations have risen by around 38% over the same period.
Tougher penalties for dangerous driving
The Bill also introduces a new offence of purposeful endangerment using a vehicle causing death or grievous hurt.
Drivers who deliberately use a vehicle to cause serious harm could face up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine and discretionary caning. Courts would also have the power to order the forfeiture of the vehicle involved.
Convicted offenders would generally receive a lifetime driving ban unless the court finds special reasons not to impose one. Otherwise, a minimum 10-year disqualification would apply.
The proposed legislation also increases maximum prison sentences for dangerous driving causing grievous hurt, while introducing stricter rules on mobile phone use behind the wheel and a new offence covering drivers found with controlled drugs or other intoxicating substances in their blood.
In addition, the Bill would allow Singapore’s Traffic Police to use automated systems to process camera-detected offences such as speeding and red-light violations, reducing the need for officers to manually review every case.
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