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Singapore Drink Driving & Road Traffic Act Guide 2026

Complete guide to Singapore drink driving laws under Section 67 Road Traffic Act (RTA). Explains 35 microgram breath limit, fines, jail terms, & license ban.

Overview & Statutory Background

Drink driving in Singapore is a serious criminal offense governed by Section 67 of the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276). The legal breath alcohol limit in Singapore is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath (or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood). First-time offenders face statutory fines ranging from S$2,000 to S$10,000, up to 12 months imprisonment, and mandatory driving license disqualification for at least 2 years. Repeat offenders face mandatory jail terms of up to 2 years and fines up to S$20,000. Use this guide to understand Singapore traffic law penalties and Breathalyzer procedure.

Key Pass Highlights & Statutory Criteria

Legal Breath Limit

35 µg / 100ml Breath

Verified

Legal Blood Limit

80 mg / 100ml Blood

Verified

First Offense Fine

S$2,000 to S$10,000

Verified

License Disqualification

Min 2 Years Ban

Verified

Evaluation Criteria & Points Breakdown

Section 67(1)(b) Breath Alcohol Limit Threshold

35 µg Limit

Offense is triggered if breath alcohol content exceeds 35 µg per 100 ml of breath or blood alcohol exceeds 80 mg per 100 ml.

Section 67(1)(a) Driving While Unfit Through Alcohol or Drugs

Unfit to Drive

Offense triggered if a driver is incapable of having proper control of the vehicle due to alcohol or drug intoxication.

Section 70 Specimen for Analysis Refusal

Specimen Refusal

Under Section 70 of the Road Traffic Act, refusing to provide a breath or blood specimen for analysis without reasonable excuse when driving or attempting to drive is punishable under Section 67.

Mandatory License Disqualification Period

Min 2-Yr Ban

Mandatory driving license disqualification of at least 2 years for a first offense, at least 5 years for a second offense, and permanent disqualification for repeat offenders.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

Applies to all motor vehicle drivers (cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles) on public roads in Singapore.

Traffic Police conduct random roadblock breathalyzer tests using handheld screening devices.

Convictions can result in criminal records and driving disqualification.

For foreign pass holders, a conviction may affect work-pass or immigration status, subject to MOM and ICA assessment.

Step-by-Step Application & Issuance Process

Traffic Police Roadblock Screening Test

Driver is stopped at Traffic Police roadblock and tested with handheld Breath Screening Device (BSD).

Station Breath Evidential Analyzer (BEA) Test

If BSD fails, driver is escorted to police station or testing vehicle for official BEA machine test.

Police Arrest & Court Bail Procedure

If BEA exceeds statutory limits, the driver may be arrested, processed, and required to offer bail or bond as determined by law enforcement and court rules.

State Courts Criminal Trial & Sentencing

Offender appears in State Courts Criminal Mentions Court for plea or trial.

License Surrender & Penalty Execution

Court issues fine, disqualification order, or custodial sentence; driving license is surrendered.

Required Document Checklist

•Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276, Section 67 & 70)

•Traffic Police Breath Evidential Analyzer (BEA) Slip

•Subordinate Courts Criminal Charge Sheet

•Singapore Police Force Roadblock Test Report

•LTA Driving License Disqualification Order

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

First-time offenders face a fine of S$2,000 to S$10,000, up to 12 months imprisonment, and a mandatory driving license disqualification of at least 2 years.

Refusing a preliminary breath test (Section 69) carries fines up to S$1,000. Refusing to provide a breath/blood specimen for analysis without reasonable excuse when driving (Section 70) is punishable under Section 67 (carrying fines of S$2,000 to S$10,000, up to 12 months imprisonment, and driving disqualification for first-time offenders).

A drink driving conviction results in a criminal record and mandatory driving disqualification. For foreign pass holders, a conviction may affect work-pass or immigration status, subject to MOM and ICA assessment.

The minimum ban is 2 years for a first offense, 5 years for a second offense, and permanent disqualification for repeat offenders.

Singapore law does not allow plea bargaining to avoid mandatory driving disqualification. Offence charges are prosecuted under statutory guidelines.