From January 1, 2026, motorists in Singapore will face tougher penalties for speeding, with increased fines and a revised demerit point system, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 28, 2025. This regulatory change is part of Singapore’s broader effort to address the rising number of traffic violations and fatal road incidents linked to speeding.
Under the new rules, drivers who exceed the speed limit by 20kmh or less will be penalised with six demerit points—up from the current four. These offenders will also face composition fines ranging from S$200 to S$250, depending on the type of vehicle involved. More severe infractions, such as speeding over 50kmh above the legal limit, will carry 24 demerit points, leading to an immediate suspension of the motorist’s licence and potential court prosecution.
These changes were first signalled earlier in February by Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam during the Traffic Police’s Road Safety Day, although specific details of the enhanced penalties were not released at that time.
According to the MHA, the revised penalties are meant to reflect the serious dangers posed by speeding and to serve as a stronger deterrent against reckless driving behaviour. The initiative comes as part of a broader government stance to reinforce accountability on the roads and reduce harm caused by vehicular incidents.
Speeding has been consistently identified as a major contributing factor to road accidents in Singapore. The ministry revealed that in 2024, there were 7,188 traffic accidents resulting in 142 fatalities. Speeding-related offences have surged, with nearly 192,000 violations recorded in 2024—representing a sharp 64.8 per cent increase compared to 2023.
Alarmingly, the number of speeding-related fatal accidents also rose by 43.8 per cent year-on-year, increasing from 32 deaths in 2023 to 46 in 2024. These statistics have raised concern among authorities and the public alike, prompting stronger intervention from the MHA.
The ministry stated that maintaining road safety is a collective duty shared by all motorists. It urged drivers to strictly adhere to speed limits and observe traffic regulations to protect themselves and other road users. MHA emphasised that reckless driving not only endangers lives but also strains emergency services and hospital resources.
MHA reaffirmed its commitment to continually review and refine laws and policies as needed to address emerging safety challenges. In parallel with enforcement, public education efforts and awareness campaigns will continue to play a vital role in promoting responsible driving.
With these new penalties set to take effect in 2026, motorists are being given ample notice to adjust their driving habits and prepare for a more stringent enforcement environment. Until the end of 2025, the current set of penalties remains in force.
The message from authorities is clear: road safety is a serious matter, and those who flout the rules will face increasingly strict consequences.
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