31 motorists to be charged with drink driving

Thirty-one motorists will face court charges for drink-driving offences on August 20, according to a statement released by the police on August 19. The motorists, aged between 24 and 61, were apprehended between May and July after failing breathalyser tests during enforcement checks. Two of the motorists, aged 28 and 35, additionally face charges for leaving their vehicles in positions that obstructed traffic and potentially endangered other road users.

The two men were discovered asleep behind the wheel of their vehicles on Nicoll Highway and Lorong 1 Geylang, respectively, on July 12 and July 26. The police confirmed that their actions demonstrated they had driven after consuming alcohol. Upon conviction for drink driving, the motorists could face penalties ranging from fines between $2,000 and $10,000 to imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

Repeat offenders may be fined between $5,000 and $20,000 and sentenced to up to two years in jail, and may also face a driving ban for all classes of vehicles. Those found guilty of leaving a vehicle in an inconvenient position for others could be fined up to $2,000, imprisoned for up to three months, or both. Repeat offenders may face a penalty of up to $5,000, six months in jail, or both.

The police emphasized that driving under the influence of alcohol is a dangerous and irresponsible act and vowed to take stern action against motorists who drink and drive. On August 4, Parliament enacted new traffic laws that significantly reduced the alcohol limits for drivers, from 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath to 15mcg. The blood alcohol limit of 80 milligrams per 100ml has been lowered to 30mg.

Under the new law, first-time offenders with very high blood alcohol levels, typically facing fines and driving bans, may now face up to 12 months in prison.