17 motorists will face charges in court on Thursday (28 Aug) after allegedly drink driving, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a statement on Wednesday (27 Aug).
The drivers, aged between 27 and 48, were arrested after failing breathalyser tests during enforcement checks carried out between June and August this year.
Two of them are facing an additional charge of leaving their vehicles in positions that caused undue inconvenience to others.
Two men, aged 30 and 35, allegedly fell asleep inside their stationary cars, leaving them in the middle of the road.
Source: Singapore Police Force
Police said the men had allegedly driven after consuming alcohol and later fell asleep behind the wheel, leaving their cars stationary along Rangoon Road and Tampines Avenue 5.
Their actions obstructed traffic and posed potential danger to other road users.
Source: Singapore Police Force
The men will be charged with drink driving under Section 67(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and leaving a vehicle in a position causing undue inconvenience under Section 122 of the same Act.
Police emphasised that they do not condone drink driving and “will not hesitate to take firm action” against offenders.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol is an extremely dangerous and irresponsible act,” they said.
According to the SPF’s Annual Road Traffic Situation 2024 Report, there were 1,778 arrests for drink driving last year — a 6.9% rise from 2023.
While accidents linked to drink driving dipped from 180 cases in 2023 to 166 in 2024, fatal cases increased from 11 to 12.
Source: Singapore Police Force
If convicted of drink driving under Section 67(1), motorists face a fine between S$2,000 and S$10,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
Repeat offenders face heavier penalties, including fines of between S$5,000 and S$20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
They may also be disqualified from driving all classes of vehicles.
For leaving a vehicle in a position causing undue inconvenience under Section 122, offenders face a fine of up to S$2,000, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.
Repeat convictions may see fines rise to S$5,000 and jail terms of up to six months.
Also read: 3 injured after van flips over along Lornie Road, driver arrested for drink driving
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Featured image adapted from the Singapore Police Force.