Aligning Severity of Penalties for Traffic Offences Committed Under the Influence of Substances with Penalties for Drink Driving

Question:

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the current penalties for traffic offences committed by motorists under the influence of substances, including vaping-related substances such as etomidate, are aligned in severity with those for drink-driving offences; and (b) whether stronger deterrent sentencing measures will be considered in light of the growing danger of vaping.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The offence of driving under the influence of drugs carries the same penalties as drink-driving. Offenders will face additional penalties for drug consumption.

2. We review our penalties periodically and will consider the Member’s suggestion in due course.