Driving and Traffic Laws in Singapore
This is general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate and solicitor about your situation. Information last verified on 22 July 2026.
Driving and traffic law in Singapore
Singapore’s traffic rules are strict and closely enforced, and the penalties reach beyond a fine to the licence itself. This section is the map to how driving law works and where each topic is covered in detail.
The main statute is the Road Traffic Act 1961, supported by subsidiary rules on specific matters. Enforcement is shared between the Traffic Police, part of the Singapore Police Force, and the Land Transport Authority (LTA). This section starts with the demerit points system, which sits behind most of what follows.
The demerit points system
The Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS) is the framework that attaches demerit points to traffic offences and can put a licence at risk once points build up. It works differently for new and experienced drivers.
A new or probationary driver, in the first year of holding a licence, faces revocation of the licence at 13 or more demerit points within 12 months. An experienced driver instead faces suspension, starting at 24 or more points within 24 months, with tighter thresholds for each further suspension. Points are cleared after 12 consecutive offence-free months. The full thresholds, the suspension cascade, and how retraining can reduce a suspension are set out in the guide below: Demerit points in Singapore: the DIPS thresholds.
Other driving topics
Beyond demerit points, the topics drivers most often ask about are speeding fines, drink-driving, and the rules for personal mobility devices such as e-scooters. These are covered in their own guides, which will be added to this section. When they are published, they will be linked here.
What this section covers
For now, the demerit points guide is the core of this section. It is the single best starting point for understanding how a run of traffic offences can lead from a fine to a suspended or revoked licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What law governs driving in Singapore?
The main statute is the Road Traffic Act 1961, supported by subsidiary rules on specific matters. Enforcement is shared between the Traffic Police, part of the Singapore Police Force, and the Land Transport Authority.
How many demerit points before I lose my licence in Singapore?
A new or probationary driver faces revocation at 13 or more demerit points within 12 months. An experienced driver faces a first suspension at 24 or more points within 24 months, with tighter thresholds after that. The detailed guide sets out the full cascade.
When are demerit points cleared in Singapore?
Yes. Demerit points are cleared after 12 consecutive months without a new traffic offence, under the Driver Improvement Points System rules.
What driving topics does this section cover?
This section currently covers the demerit points system in detail. Guides on speeding fines, drink-driving, and personal mobility devices such as e-scooters will be added and linked here as they are published.
Sources and References
- Road Traffic Act 1961(sso.agc.gov.sg).gov
- Traffic Police, Driver Improvement Points System(police.gov.sg).gov