More demerit points, higher fines for speeding offences from Jan 1, 2026: MHA

Source: Straits Times
Article Date: 29 May 2025
Author: Claudia Tan

Motorists who go over their vehicular or road speed limit can expect to receive between two and six more demerit points.

Motorists caught speeding will receive heavier penalties from 2026, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 28.

These include more demerit points and higher composition sums for these offences.

Motorists who go over their vehicular or road speed limit can expect to receive between two and six more demerit points.

Those caught driving not more than 20kmh above the speed limit will receive six demerit points, up from the current penalty of four demerit points.

Motorists who go over the speed limit by 41kmh to 50kmh will get 18 demerit points, up from the current 12 points. They will also be charged in court.

In its press release on May 28, MHA said that the composition fines will be increased by $50 to $150, depending on the severity and the type of vehicle.

Motorists who receive 24 demerit points within 24 months will have their driving licence suspended.

The new penalties will take effect from Jan 1, 2026.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, MHA said that the new penalties will take effect only from 2026 to provide adequate time for public education and awareness.

In its statistics release on Feb 21, the Traffic Police said that the number of people killed and injured in traffic accidents hit a five-year-high in 2024, with speeding contributing to one in three fatal crashes.

The number of speeding violations also reached a 10-year high in 2024, with 192,000 cases – more than double the number in 2023.

In 2024, there were 7,188 road accidents and 142 fatalities, said MHA.

There was also a 43.8 per cent increase in speeding-related fatal accidents, from 32 cases in 2023 to 46 cases in 2024.

“The enhanced penalties underscore MHA’s commitment to maintaining road safety. Road safety is ultimately a shared responsibility,” said the ministry.

“Motorists are urged to adhere to speed limits and drive safely for their own protection and that of other road users. MHA will continue to review our laws and policies as necessary in order to keep our roads safe.”

In March, an Internal Security Department officer was fined $7,000 for speeding and causing hurt to five other people. Badrolizam Kamsin ran a red light while driving in Boon Lay in March 2024. His car collided into another vehicle, injuring the driver and four passengers.

Most of the five victims suffered bruises to their bodies. Badrolizam, 57, was also disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licence for 1½ years.

In July 2024, a 60-year-old man who beat a red light while driving above the speed limit was fined $2,000 and disqualified from driving for 15 months.

This was the first time a motorist has been tried in court for a speeding violation captured by the speed enforcement function in a red-light camera, said the police then.