Charged with a Traffic Offence in Singapore? Here’s What You Need to Know

Whether it’s speeding, drink driving, or careless driving, a traffic offence in Singapore can have serious consequences, including fines, suspension, and even jail.

In this article, we explain the key types of traffic offences, what happens after you're charged, and how a lawyer can help you navigate the process.

Common Traffic Offences in Singapore

Here are some of the most common offences under the Road Traffic Act and related laws:

Offence	Penalties
Speeding	Fine + Demerit points
Careless driving (s 65 RTA)	Fine or jail, especially if injury caused
Drink driving (s 67 RTA)	Jail + fine + disqualification
Driving without a licence or insurance	Heavy fines or jail
Hit-and-run	Serious offence with jail potential
Using a mobile phone while driving	Fines and demerit points

What Happens After You’re Charged?

1. You’ll Receive a Notice of Traffic Offence

• From the Traffic Police or the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC)

  
  

2. Decide Whether to Plead Guilty or Not

• You can accept the offer (if there’s a composition fine), or

• Plead guilty in court, or

• Contest the charge

  
  

3. Attend Court (if required)

• Most traffic cases are heard in the State Courts

• You’ll be assigned a mention date, and possibly a plea date or trial date

Can a Lawyer Help Me?

Yes. A traffic defence lawyer can:

• Negotiate with the prosecution for a reduced charge or leniency

• Advise if you should contest or plead guilty

• Make mitigation pleas to reduce penalties (e.g., explain remorse, personal hardship, clean driving record)

Do I Have a Defence?

Possible defences may include:

• Faulty speed camera or breathalyser

• Mistaken identity

• No intent (e.g., emergencies)

• Procedural lapses in evidence handling

  
  

Each case is fact-specific — that’s why early legal advice matters.

Will I Get Disqualified?

Certain offences carry mandatory disqualification, such as:

• Drink driving

• Driving under influence of drugs

• Reckless or dangerous driving

  
  

Others may result in discretionary disqualification, depending on the case and your record.

Need Help with a Traffic Charge?

We regularly assist individuals facing road traffic offences.

Read about us in the news:

• #TalkBack: If you’re having drinks, why are you still driving? — CNA938 Rewind

• Jail, fine for drink driver who lost control of vehicle and collided into stationary police car — The Straits Times

• Man drove through playground and into swimming pool after drinking alcohol — The Straits Times

• Brain injury, fractures: Cyclists recount the dangers of riding along Tanah Merah Coast Road — The Straits Times

• What should I do if I am travelling by bus to Malaysia and get into an accident? — The Straits Times

Schedule a confidential consultation or email us at mc@markchenglaw.com to get started.

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