Common Traffic Offences in Singapore
This is general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate and solicitor about your situation. Information last verified on 23 July 2026.
Most everyday traffic offences in Singapore are handled through composition fines and demerit points rather than a court appearance. This guide explains how the composition mechanism works, sets out the demerit points and composition sums for a range of common offences, and points to the more detailed pages on speeding, drink driving, and demerit points.
Composition fines versus prosecution
Under the Driver Improvement Points System, demerit points may be recorded against a Singapore licence holder for certain offences, and a composition fine may be offered as an alternative to prosecution. Paying the composition fine settles that offence without a court appearance.
Composition is discretionary. Anyone who commits a traffic offence remains liable to the full punishment the offence carries and may instead be prosecuted in court, facing fines, imprisonment, or disqualification, depending on the severity. A court can also take past compounded offences into account when sentencing a later offence.
Common composition offences and their penalties
The table below sets out demerit points and composition sums for a selection of common offences, with separate columns for light and heavy vehicles. A light vehicle means a car, motorcycle, or light goods vehicle; a heavy vehicle means a bus, trailer, or heavy goods vehicle.
| Offence | Demerit points | Light vehicle | Heavy vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stopping in a yellow box, or an unauthorised U-turn | 0 | S$100 | S$150 |
| Not wearing a seatbelt, insecure helmet, unsecured load, or bald tyres | 3 | S$150 | S$200 |
| Failing to give way, crossing double white lines, or obstructing traffic | 4 | S$150 | S$200 |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 12 | S$400 | S$500 |
| Failing to conform to a red light | 12 | S$400 | S$500 |
These are composition sums for the offences as commonly compounded. Where an offence is more serious, or where the Traffic Police decide not to offer composition, the matter proceeds in court instead.
Speeding
Speeding is dealt with through five bands, carrying 6 to 24 demerit points depending on how far over the limit you were, with composition sums that differ for light and heavy vehicles. Exceeding the limit by more than 40 km/h is not compounded and goes to court. See Speeding Fines in Singapore for the full band table and the enhanced-zone penalties that apply from 2026.
Drink driving and other court offences
The most serious driving offences are prosecuted in court. Drink driving, for example, carries mandatory disqualification even for a first offender. See Drink Driving in Singapore for the prescribed limit, fines, and disqualification periods.
Paying and checking a fine
Outstanding traffic composition fines can be checked and paid through the Singapore Police Force e-Services. Paying the composition fine records the associated demerit points against the licence.
How demerit points add up
Points from separate offences accumulate under the Driver Improvement Points System, and once enough build up within the relevant window, the licence can be suspended or, for a new driver, revoked. See Demerit Points in Singapore: The DIPS Thresholds for the suspension and revocation thresholds, and Driving and Traffic Laws in Singapore for the wider picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a composition fine for a traffic offence in Singapore?
A composition fine is a payment offered by the Traffic Police as an alternative to prosecution. Paying it settles the offence without a court appearance, and the associated demerit points are recorded against the licence. Composition is discretionary, not a right.
How many demerit points is using a phone while driving in Singapore?
Using a mobile phone while driving carries 12 demerit points, with a composition sum of S$400 for a light vehicle and S$500 for a heavy vehicle.
How many demerit points is running a red light in Singapore?
Failing to conform to a red light carries 12 demerit points, with a composition sum of S$400 for a light vehicle and S$500 for a heavy vehicle.
Are traffic fines higher for heavy vehicles in Singapore?
For many offences, yes. The composition sum for a heavy vehicle such as a bus or trailer is generally higher than for a light vehicle committing the same offence.
Can I be taken to court instead of paying a composition fine?
Yes. Composition is offered at the discretion of the Traffic Police. More serious offences are prosecuted in court, where a fine, imprisonment, or disqualification may be imposed, and past compounded offences can be taken into account.
Where do I pay a traffic composition fine in Singapore?
Outstanding traffic composition fines can be checked and paid through the Singapore Police Force e-Services.
Sources and References
- Singapore Police Force, Penalties for Traffic Offences(police.gov.sg).gov
- Road Traffic Act 1961(sso.agc.gov.sg).gov
- Road Traffic (Driver Improvement Points System) Rules(sso.agc.gov.sg).gov