The rules and regulations don't differ much here from most western countries. In Singapore, you drive on the left-hand side of the road, which may be a bit confusing for people from right-hand traffic countries, however you will get used to this in close to no time. There are, however, some situations which might be confusing and which you should be aware of:
- Roundabouts
There are not many roundabouts in Singapore, but you may come across one once in a while. Since Traffic here is on the left-hand side, you will take the roundabout clockwise. Turning right means you will have to take the roundabout three-quarters. Traffic on the roundabout has right of way, traffic entering the roundabout has to give way. Make sure you choose the correct lane when entering a roundabout since it might be difficult to exit if you're in the wrong lane.
- Right of way
On uncontrolled junctions, traffic from the right has right of way. Please keep in mind that having right of way and getting right of way are two different things. Always anticipate on having to stop.
- Overtaking
The right lane is the fast lane. You should always overtake on the right-hand side. Please remember to keep left if you're not overtaking. Road hogging is an offence and will result in a fine and demerit points on your licence.
- Junctions
When turning right on a large junction, you will cross the lanes of traffic travelling in the opposite direction. You will have to give way. Wait in the designated boxes on the junction for the traffic coming from the oppostite direction to clear, or wait for the green arrow on the traffic lights to light up, in which case traffic from the opposite site will stop and you can proceed. A flashing arrow means you must stop, unless you are too close to stop safely (same as amber on a normal traffic light)
When turning left on a junction, you might come across a slipway leading you past the traffic lights. If this is the case, you do not have to stop for the traffic lights, but you must give way to traffic on the road you are about to merge into.
The speed limit in Singapore is 50 in the city and 80 (sometimes 90) on the expressways, unless stated otherwise by road signals.
Most road signals are universal, so we won't go into those. Something which might be different here from what you're used to is the various different stripings on the roads. It is important you know what they mean.
- Parallel continuous white lines in the center of a two-way road
No parking on either side of the road. Vehicles are not allowed to cross these lines
- One continuous yellow line along the side of the road
No parking between 7 am and 7 pm on this side of the road, except on Sundays and Public Holidays
- Two continuous yellow lines along the side of the road
No parking at any time at this side of the road
- One zig-zag yellow line along the side of the road
No parking at any time except for immediate picking up or dropping off of passengers at this side of the road.
- Double zig-zag yellow lines along the side of the road
No parking or stopping at any time at this side of the road.
- Continuous single wide yellow line on the right of the left lane
Bus lane that is restricted to other traffic, except on a Sunday or public holiday, between 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on a weekday and 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on a Saturday. (and that includes bikes!)
- Continuous single wide yellow line combined with a single red line on the right of the left lane
Bus lane that is restricted to other traffic between 7.30 a.m. 8.00 p.m. except on a Sunday or a public holiday.
- Discontinuous single wide yellow line combined or not with a single discontinuous red line on the right of the left lane
Part of the above bus lanes that allowed to be used by vehicles turning left during restricted hours.
For a more detailed overview of all road rules and regulations, we recommend you pick up the "Basic Theory of Driving" booklet at any major bookstore. The book costs around $4.-
Singapore practices demerit points on driving licences, meaning that commiting a traffic offence will not only result in a fine, but also in a chance to loose your licence.
For holders of a new, first-time Singaporean licence (when you've just converted), you can accumulate a maximum of 12 points in 12 months. After the first year, you can accumulate a maximum of 24 points in 24 months. Each point will be enforced for one whole year, so if you accumulate any points, no matter how long you've had your licence, they will not be cleared for one whole year. If you loose your licence, you will have to take a new Basic Theory Test, Advanced Theory Test and Practical Driving Test to get a new licence.
Some examples and their subsequent fines / DIPS:
| Description |
Fine |
Points |
| Failing to wear seat belts (including passengers) |
$120 |
3 |
| Speeding at more than 20 km/h above limit |
? |
4 |
| Obstructing traffic flow |
? |
4 |
| Speeding at more than 40 km/h above limit |
$200 |
12 |
| Failing to comply with traffic light signals |
$200 |
12 |
| Reckless driving |
? |
12 |
| Using a mobile phone with no hands-free device |
$1000 |
12 and/or jail |
| Diving under influence of alcohol |
Fine and/or jail and loss of licence |
There are, of course, many other offences and their respective fines. Please visit the Singapore Police Force & Traffic Police website for more information.
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