Commencement of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act on 3 October 2025

1. The Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2025 (the “Act”) was passed by Parliament on 7 January 2025. The Act introduced amendments to the Road Traffic Act (“RTA”) to recalibrate the balance between deterrence and proportionality for road traffic offences and enhance the powers to enforce against errant motorists.

2. The amendments in the Act are being operationalised in phases. The first set of amendments was operationalised on 12 June 2025. More information on the Act and the amendments that have been operationalised can be found in the Annex.

Powers to Administer Breath Tests

3. With effect from 3 October 2025, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers will be empowered under the Act to administer breath tests at our land and sea checkpoints and their vicinities to detect drink drivers. ^[1] This will enable ICA to protect public safety and strengthen protective security measures across the land and sea checkpoints.

4. Motorists who fail the breath test will be arrested and handed over to the Singapore Police Force for follow-up action.

5. Any motorist who refuses to comply with the administration of the breath test will commit an offence. If convicted, first time offenders are liable to a fine of between $1,000 and $5,000 or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of between $3,000 and $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 12 months.

6. The other provisions under the Act will be operationalised subsequently.

7. The Ministry of Home Affairs takes a serious view of drink-driving. We urge all motorists to act responsibly – if you drink, do not drive.

[1] The sea checkpoints refer to the land-based sea cargo checkpoints. ICA officers may conduct checks on those cargo drivers or motorists.

Annexes - Information on the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2025

1. First Reading of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

2. Second Reading of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill - Opening Speech by Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development

3. Second Reading of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill – Wrap-up Speech by Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development

4. Commencement of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act