In Singapore, drink driving isn’t just a negligent decision—it’s a serious offense with life-changing consequences. If the authorities catch you driving over the legal alcohol limit, they impose severe penalties and enforce the law strictly. Whether it’s your first offense or not, you’re looking at significant legal trouble if you can’t present a strong defense or show exceptional circumstances.
What Does the Law Say About Drink Driving?
Singapore’s law is clear: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense. You can be charged if:
– You’re too intoxicated to safely control your vehicle, or
– Your blood or breath alcohol level is above the legal limit.
Even if you’re not over the legal limit, being visibly too impaired to drive can still get you charged. And it’s not just alcohol—if you’re under the influence of drugs or other substances, like certain medications or inhalants, you’re also at risk of facing charges.
Here’s a revised version that strikes a balance between conversational and professional:
Sentencing Guidelines for Drink Driving (S 67(1)(b) Road Traffic Act)
1. Your Options:
When facing a drink driving charge, you have two options: plead guilty or contest the charge in court. Before the sentence is decided, you’ll have the opportunity to present any factors that might influence the outcome.
2. Prosecution’s Request:
Typically, the prosecution will recommend a fine and a driving ban under certain conditions:
– You plead guilty.
– You have no prior drink driving convictions.
– The offence didn’t result in an accident.
3. What to Expect:
If your case meets the above criteria, the prosecution will likely suggest the following penalties:
| Alcohol Level (BEA) 100ml of breath For blood alcohol readings, multiply by 0.4375 to obtain BEA level | JUDGE HAS POWER TO IMPOSE | THE PROSECUTION WILL ASK | |
| Section 67 (1) RTA | PG at Mentions Stage | PG after Mentions Stage | |
| BEA 36-54 | $2,000 – $10,000 ORImprisonment not exceeding 12 months ORBoth ANDSection 67(2)(a)DQ at least 2 years from conviction date | BEA 40-44 $2000 (min) AND 24 months’ DQ BEA 45-54 $2500 AND 24 months’ DQ | $2000 (MIN)-$4000 AND 24-30 months DQ’ |
| BEA 55-69 | BEA 55-62 $4000 AND 30 months’ DQ BEA 63-69 $4500 AND 3 months’ DQ | $4000-$6000 AND 30-36 months DQ’ | |
| BEA70-89 | Bea 70-79 $6000 AND 36 months’ DQ BEA 80-89 $6500 AND 36 months DQ | $6000-$8000 AND 36-48 month’s DQ | |
| BEA 90-100 | Bea 90-99 $8000 AND 48 months DQ BEA ≥ 100 $8500 AND 48 months’ DQ | $8000-$10000 (max) AND 48-60 months’ DQ (or longer) | |
4. Possible Adjustments:
Should new information or circumstances arise, the prosecution may revise their recommended sentence. If that happens, you’ll be informed as soon as possible.
How Do Previous Traffic Offenses Affect Sentencing?
If you’ve had minor traffic violations, like speeding tickets, they could be used as aggravating factors in your sentencing. However, your penalties will still fall within the standard ranges.
On the other hand, if you’ve been convicted of more serious traffic offenses before, a judge could impose penalties up to three times the usual amount.
And if serious injury or death is involved, the penalties could be much harsher, potentially including caning in rare cases.
Why You Should Consult a Lawyer, Even If You’ve Admitted to the Crime
Facing a drink driving charge is serious, and having legal representation can make a significant difference. A knowledgeable criminal lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are fully protected. If you need professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
