Riding Without License Leads to 12 Arrested in Tuas Operation

 

Singapore authorities conducted a significant multi-agency enforcement operation at Tuas Checkpoint on October 14th, 2025, targeting non-compliant motorcyclists entering the country. The joint operation involved officers from the Traffic Police, National Environment Agency, and Land Transport Authority working in coordination to address various traffic and vehicle regulation violations.

During the enforcement exercise, approximately 300 motorcyclists were stopped for comprehensive inspections at the border checkpoint. The operation resulted in twelve individuals, ranging in age from 20 to 49 years, being arrested for serious traffic offenses. These arrests specifically involved riding without a valid driving license, which violates Section 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, and operating a motor vehicle without proper insurance coverage under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960.

The National Environment Agency played a significant role in the operation, issuing a total of 83 summonses for environmental violations related to vehicular smoke emissions and excessive noise from motorcycles. These offenses fall under the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations, which aim to maintain air quality and reduce noise pollution in Singapore.

Simultaneously, the Land Transport Authority issued 67 summonses for the offense of displaying improper license plates on motorcycles. This violation represents a concern for vehicle identification and regulatory compliance, particularly for foreign-registered vehicles entering Singaporean territory.

Authorities emphasized that all motorists entering Singapore, including those operating foreign-registered vehicles, must fully comply with the country's traffic laws and vehicle regulations. The enforcement operation served as a clear reminder that non-compliant motorists may face substantial penalties, and in some cases, foreign-registered vehicles could be denied entry into Singapore entirely.

The Traffic Police took the opportunity to remind all motorcyclists about the importance of adhering to traffic laws and practicing safe riding habits. Officials noted that motorcyclists and their pillion riders remain particularly vulnerable on the roads and encouraged all road users to exercise good RoadSense by maintaining vigilance and looking out for one another's safety.

The penalties for the cited offenses are substantial, with driving without a valid license carrying fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment terms up to three years for first-time offenders. Environmental violations can result in fines up to $2,000 for initial convictions, while improper license plate display offenses may lead to fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to three months.