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Opposing Stricter Demerit Points System Due to Potential Unintended Consequences

Published August 1, 2026 at 8:03 AM UTC

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While the intention behind lowering the demerit points threshold to 18 points is to enhance road safety, there are concerns about potential unintended consequences of this policy change.

One concern is that the stricter demerit points system may disproportionately affect drivers who are less familiar with Singapore's traffic regulations, such as foreign visitors or new residents. These drivers might inadvertently accumulate points due to unfamiliarity with local laws, leading to suspensions that could have been avoided with more comprehensive education and awareness programs.

Additionally,