The short answer
Under section 67 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, a first conviction for driving while under the influence of drink carries a fine of between S$2,000 and S$10,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both, together with disqualification from driving for at least 2 years unless the court finds special reasons. Repeat offenders face substantially heavier fines, imprisonment and longer disqualification. Alongside drink driving, the Act’s most commonly prosecuted offences are careless driving and dangerous driving, whose penalties since the 2019 amendments are tiered according to the harm caused.
Drink driving: what the prosecution must show
The offence is made out where a person drives or attempts to drive while unfit to drive due to drink or drugs, or with a blood or breath alcohol concentration exceeding the prescribed limit. Breath and blood procedures are technical, and failing to provide a specimen without reasonable excuse is itself an offence carrying comparable penalties. Disqualification is the near-automatic consequence: it applies across all licence classes, and driving while disqualified is a serious offence in its own right, commonly attracting imprisonment.
| Drink driving (s 67) | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Fine (first offence) | S$2,000 to S$10,000 |
| Imprisonment (first offence) | Up to 12 months |
| Disqualification | At least 2 years, unless special reasons |
| Repeat offenders | Substantially heavier fines, imprisonment and longer disqualification |
Careless driving versus dangerous driving: what is the difference?
Careless driving means driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other road users. Dangerous driving is the graver offence: driving in a manner dangerous to the public, judged objectively against all the circumstances. Since the 2019 amendments to the Road Traffic Act, the maximum penalties for both offences escalate through tiers depending on whether the driving caused no injury, hurt, grievous hurt or death, with imprisonment terms and mandatory disqualification at the upper tiers, and enhanced penalties for repeat and egregious offenders. Where death is caused, custodial sentences are the norm rather than the exception.
What about demerit points and composition?
Many minor traffic offences are dealt with by composition (paying a fixed sum) and demerit points under the Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS), without a court appearance. Accumulating too many points within the window leads to suspension or revocation of your licence, with longer consequences for probationary and previously suspended drivers. Two practical points are often missed. First, paying composition may feel administrative, but the points and record follow you. Secondly, for offences that are not compoundable, or where you dispute the facts, the matter goes to court, where representation genuinely matters.
How can a lawyer actually help in a traffic case?
- Testing the evidence: identification of the driver, the reliability of breath and blood procedures, camera and telematics evidence, and the causal chain in accident cases.
- Representations to the prosecution seeking reduced charges, for instance from dangerous to careless driving, which can dramatically change the sentencing range and disqualification exposure.
- Special reasons and exceptional circumstances arguments, in the narrow situations where the law permits disqualification to be avoided or shortened.
- Mitigation directed at the matters courts actually weigh: culpability, harm, driving record, the need to drive for livelihood (relevant within limits), and rehabilitation.
Frequently asked questions
Will I definitely lose my licence for drink driving?
Disqualification of at least 2 years is mandatory on a first conviction unless the court finds special reasons, which are rare and narrowly construed. Sentencing within the range depends heavily on the alcohol level and the circumstances.
I was involved in an accident. Should I speak to the other party’s insurer?
Be careful: statements made after an accident can surface in both criminal and civil proceedings. Report accurately as required, and take advice before giving detailed accounts.
Can a traffic conviction affect my employment pass or job?
It can, particularly for professional drivers and roles requiring declarations of convictions. This is a factor in deciding how to conduct the case.
Charged with a traffic offence?
Johnathan Lee defends drink driving, careless and dangerous driving and other Road Traffic Act charges, and advises on disqualification and DIPS consequences.
Johnathan Lee, Advocate & Solicitor · 81A Clemenceau Avenue Park, Clemenceau Suites, Suite No. 23, Level 4, Singapore 239918
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Penalties stated reflect the Road Traffic Act 1961 as at July 2026; the applicable range depends on the specific charge and your antecedents.