As road safety becomes a pressing issue in Singapore, Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam announced significant changes to speeding penalties, effective from 1 January 2026. Speaking at the inaugural Road Safety Day at Chong Pang on 15 February 2024, Shanmugam emphasised the urgent need for behavioural change among motorists.
Current Road Safety Situation
The statistics are alarming: in 2024 alone, Singapore saw approximately 7,200 road accidents, resulting in 142 fatalities. Of these, 46 were due to speeding—an increase of nearly 44 per cent from the previous year. With speeding violations hitting a decade-high at 192,000 cases, it’s clear that enhanced enforcement measures have yet to make a noticeable impact.
New Penalties Coming in 2026
- Higher fines for speeding offenders.
- Increased demerit points.
- Advisories will be issued to give drivers ample warning about the changes.
“Fines as well as demerit points will increase… The details will be given by the Traffic Police in due course,” Shanmugam stated. The advisory will allow motorists months to adjust their habits before the tougher penalties come into effect.
Importance of Road Safety Culture
Shanmugam stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility. “Every vehicle is a potential missile on the roads. It’s dangerous if you don’t use it properly,” he warned. He urged all road users—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike—to commit to safer practices.
Continued Enforcement Measures
In light of the worrying trends, the police will ramp up enforcement efforts, including daily roadblocks at various locations. The Singapore Road Safety Council has also initiated a collaborative outreach taskforce with key stakeholders to raise awareness through various platforms, including social media.
With these measures in place, authorities hope to instill a culture of safety that prioritises the well-being of all road users in Singapore.