Starting January 1, 2027, Singapore will implement a stricter Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS) to address a concerning rise in road accidents. The Singapore Police Force announced that the threshold for a first-time licence suspension will be lowered from 24 demerit points to 18 points within a 24-month period. This policy shift follows data showing that road fatalities reached a 10-year high in 2025, with 149 deaths recorded, alongside a 6.6% increase in road injuries compared to the previous year.
Under the revised regime, suspension periods for repeat offenders will also be significantly extended. A first suspension will increase from 12 weeks to four months, while subsequent suspensions will see longer durations, reaching up to five years for fourth-time offenders. To align with the new 18-point limit, specific serious traffic offences that previously carried 24 demerit points—such as reckless driving or exceeding speed limits by more than 50km/h—will be adjusted to 18 points.
Educational interventions are also being streamlined. The current Safe Driving Course will be discontinued, as authorities found it had minimal impact on changing driver behavior. Instead, the DIPS Retraining Course will remain available exclusively for first-time suspended motorists, allowing them to reduce their suspension period from four months to six weeks upon successful completion. Probationary motorists will also face a tighter threshold, with their limit reduced from 13 to 12 demerit points.
These changes are part of a broader legislative effort to enhance road safety and deter irresponsible driving. By making the consequences of traffic violations more immediate and severe, the authorities aim to keep high-risk drivers off the roads for longer periods. Motorists are encouraged to review their driving habits ahead of the 2027 implementation date to ensure compliance with the new, more stringent standards.