Singapore Parliament Passes Stricter Traffic Laws to Curb Rising Road Fatalities

Singapore’s Parliament passed the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill on August 4, 2026, introducing significant changes to road safety regulations. The new legislation aims to address a concerning rise in traffic-related deaths and injuries, which reached a 10-year high of 149 fatalities in 2025. Among the key updates, the law now makes it a criminal offence for a driver to hold a mobile communication device while their vehicle is in motion, regardless of whether the device is being actively used. Previously, authorities were required to prove that a driver was operating a function of the device, such as texting or calling, to secure a conviction. By removing this requirement, the government intends to simplify enforcement and deter distracted driving. Additionally, the bill significantly lowers the legal alcohol limits for motorists. The revised thresholds, which reflect scientific evidence on alcohol-related impairment, are intended to further discourage drink-driving. The legislation also introduces a new offence of 'purposeful endangerment' to target motorists who deliberately use their vehicles to threaten others on the road, with penalties including up to 15 years in jail, caning, and driving bans. These measures follow a parliamentary debate involving 27 members, reflecting a broad consensus on the need for more aggressive action to improve road safety for all users.