SingaporeThe new penalties for drink driving under recent amendments?
As of the 2023 amendments, drink driving penalties in Singapore under the Road Traffic Act now include higher fines, longer jail terms, and mandatory disqualification periods — with stricter penalties for repeat offenders and higher alcohol levels.
What the Law Says
The Road Traffic Act was amended in 2023 to significantly increase penalties for drink driving offences under section 67A. These changes apply to all convictions from 1 March 2023 onwards and introduce tiered punishments based on alcohol concentration and number of prior offences.
Under section 67A, it is an offence for a person to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle if the proportion of alcohol in their breath exceeds 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath, or in their blood exceeds 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood.
Penalties are now structured by offence tier: first-time offenders face a fine of $2,000–$10,000 and/or up to 3 years’ imprisonment, plus mandatory disqualification from driving for at least 2 years. For second offences within 10 years, the minimum disqualification rises to 5 years; for third or subsequent offences, it is at least 10 years.
The court must also order disqualification for the full minimum period — no discretion to reduce it — and may extend disqualification beyond the minimum depending on circumstances.
Statutory TextAny person who, when driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle on a road, has in his breath a proportion of alcohol exceeding 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath or in his blood a proportion of alcohol exceeding 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, commits an offence.
— Road Traffic Act, s. 67A — Driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol
What to Do
Immediately stop driving if you have consumed alcohol — use ride-hailing, taxis, or public transport.
If charged, seek legal advice before pleading guilty — sentencing depends heavily on alcohol level and prior record.
Cooperate fully with police breath/blood tests — refusal carries penalties equal to or harsher than conviction.
Attend any mandatory alcohol education or rehabilitation programmes ordered by the court.
Apply for re-licensing only after completing the full disqualification period and passing required tests.
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.