SingaporeCan I dispute a traffic summons?
Yes, you can dispute a traffic summons in Singapore by pleading not guilty and attending court for a hearing.
What the Law Says
The Road Traffic Act gives you the right to contest a traffic summons by entering a plea of not guilty and requesting a court hearing.
Under section 131 of the Road Traffic Act, a person charged with an offence under the Act may plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, the court will fix a date for trial where evidence will be heard.
You must respond to the summons within 30 days — either by paying the fine (if it’s a compoundable offence) or by indicating your intention to dispute it through the online e-Summons service or at a police station.
Failure to respond within the deadline may result in a warrant of arrest or conviction in your absence.
Statutory TextWhere a person is charged with an offence under this Act, he may plead guilty or not guilty.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 131 — Plea of guilty or not guilty
What to Do
Log in to the Singapore Police Force e-Summons portal within 30 days of receiving the summons.
Select 'Plead Not Guilty' and provide your reason for disputing the charge.
Attend the court hearing on the appointed date with supporting evidence (e.g., photos, dashcam footage, witness statements).
Consider seeking legal advice if the charge carries serious penalties like licence suspension or imprisonment.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.