Suspensions more 'painful' than fines: Drivers, experts on stricter demerit rules
Licence suspensions can change behaviour, but habitual risk-takers may remain undeterred, drivers and experts say.
Singapore drivers and experts debate the effectiveness of stricter demerit point rules. Martin, a 32-year-old, faced a 12-week suspension after accumulating 24 points for running two red lights. He attended a retraining course and had his suspension shortened. Another driver in his thirties said fines don't deter unsafe driving, but longer suspensions might.
Suspensions could become more frequent under changes to the demerit points system, effective from Jan 1, 2027, with a lower threshold for first-time suspensions and longer suspension periods. Sociologist Tan Ern Ser notes that the reduced threshold will signal there's "no room for complacency" regarding punishment. However, drivers argue that risk-takers will persist, and only those who can afford to avoid driving will be deterred. Public shaming and incentive systems for safe drivers are suggested as more effective deterrents.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
