Don't Make These Expensive Mistakes: Common Fines in Singapore To Avoid in 2022

Singapore Is A “Fine” City…

If there is anything more famous than our Unesco heritage hawker culture; it will be the fine signs that decorate our island.

You see them almost everywhere, on the train, at void decks, and even when you are taking a piss; these signs take no break in reminding you of the possible fines you have to pay when you get caught for these offences.

Source: ameba.com.sgThe worst way to lose money is probably through fines.

Be it a careless mistake or a reckless moment, there is almost zero possibility of getting your money back.

As such, here are the common everyday fines you should be avoiding at all costs.

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TL;DR – Most Common Everyday Fines Singapore

To protect your pockets from silly mistakes, here are the most common everyday fines in Singapore you need to be aware of:

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COVID-19 Safe Management Measures Singapore Fines – Up to $1,000

Despite Singapore entering into Phase 3 of reopening on 28 Dec 2020; it is good to remember that we are still in the midst of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, as of 5 Jul 2020, more than 6,600 fines have been issued to people in Singapore for flouting COVID-19 safe management measures.

As of Phase 3, these safe management measures include:

• Gathering in groups of more than eight.
• Failing to practice safe distancing.
• Not wearing a mask when you are outside your house.

I think you would know that it is compulsory to wear a mask at all times when you are out of your house.

There are a few exceptions.

You can take off your mask when eating or engaging in vigorous exercise.

Also, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA), these groups of people can wear a face shield instead of a mask:

• Children 12 years and below, who may have difficulty wearing and keeping face masks on for a prolonged period of time;
• Persons who have health conditions that may result in breathing or other medical difficulties when a mask is worn for a prolonged period of time;
• Persons who are speaking to a group in a classroom or lecture-style setting, where they largely remain at the spot from which they are speaking, and are able to maintain a safe distance away from any other persons.

If caught flouting these safe management measures, first-time offenders will be fined $300.

Second-time offenders will be slapped with a $1,000 fine or prosecuted in court for more serious cases.

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Public Transport Fines

Drinking or Eating on MRT Trains And Stations Fine – Up to $500

Many sagas of eating on trains have made it onto the Straits Times the past couple of years.

If a lady who ate a sweet to relieve her motion sickness could get fined $30, we know not to mess around.

Getting caught eating or drinking on the train will get you up to a $500 fine.

Don’t poke that straw into your Koi.

Bus – $0

Congratulations, it’s not illegal to eat on the bus!

But we know in our hearts that people will still stare us down if we do.

Daily Habits

Smoking in Prohibited Areas Fine – Up to $1000

All of us are aware that smoking is no doubt expensive in Singapore.

Not convinced?

If you smoked 2 packs a week and spend $14.10 per pack, your smoking habit would have cost you $1,466.40.

Adding on to that, smoking in prohibited places can land you in a fine of $200, or up to $1,000 if convicted in court.

Places, where smoking is prohibited, include:

• Bus stops, bus shelters, and bus poles, including any area within a five-metre radius
• Covered linkways
• Everywhere around the hospital compounds
• Educational institutions and their compounds including any area within five metres of the school compound
• Parks in public housing estates managed by the respective Town Councils
• Parks under the purview of Jurong Town Corporation (JTC)
• Pavilions within any residential premises or building meant to hold functions
• Pedestrian overhead bridges, covered or underground walkways
• Playgrounds and exercise areas, including adjacent amenities for users
• Reservoirs
• Swimming pools, including changing and shower rooms or areas frequented by any user of the swimming pool
• Washrooms, including mobile toilets

This list is not exhaustive but make sure to check so that you don’t end up paying a fine!

 

 

Littering – Up to $10,000

Singapore prides itself ourselves as a Clean and Green City and it surely does not tolerate littered pavements and streets.

First-time offenders can be fined $300 for the first offence, including Corrective Work Order (CWO) to pick or sweep up litter to reflect on how litter can mar our living environment.

Also, under the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA), the maximum fine for a littering offence is:

• $2,000 for the first court conviction
• $4,000 for the second conviction
• $10,000 for the third and subsequent convictions.

After all, nothing works better than public shaming.

Jay Walking – Up to $1,000

First-time offenders will be fined $50 and repeat offenders will be fined up to $1,000 with a 3-months jail term.

Even though jaywalking often goes unpoliced, one mistake can cost the life of the pedestrian and the vehicle driver too.  

 

Motorised Scooters On Footpaths – Up to $2,000

You’ll probably know this by now, but riding of e-scooters on footpaths will now cost you a fine of up to $2,000 and a possible jail term of 3 months.

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Traffic

Not Wearing A Seatbelt – Up to $200

Even though most cars have an alert system if the driver is not wearing their seatbelt, it is equally important that passengers do the same too.

If you’re not wearing your seatbelt or fail to ensure that all your passengers are wearing theirs, you’ll be fined $150 and recieve a 3 demerit points deduction if you are in a light vehicle.

For drivers driving a heavy vehicle, you’ll be fined $200 and receive a 3 demerit points deduction.

Not Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles – Up to $200

Failing to give way to ambulances, police vehicles, the fire brigade or oncoming traffic at junctions and roundabouts can land you in a $150 fine and a deduction of 4 demerit points. 

For drivers driving a heavy vehicle, you’ll be fined $200 and receive a 4 demerit points deduction.

Speeding – Up to $200

Here are the various fines associated with speeding:

Watch out for the speed cameras and drive safely!

Running Red Light – Up to $500

Running the red light is greatly penalised in Singapore, costing you $400 and 12 demerit points if you are driving a light vehicle.

For drivers driving a heavy vehicle, you’ll be fined $500 and receive a 12 demerit points deduction.

Stop when the light turns amber!

Do note that your licence will be suspended should you accumulate more than 24 demerit points within 2 years.

Use of mobile phone while driving – Up to $2,000

A first-time offender will be fined up to $1,000 and can be jailed for up to six months.

A second-time offender will be fined up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both

Using your mobile device when the vehicle is stationary, for example at the traffic light is not advised but also not an offence.