Singapore – A 36-year-old man was arrested early Saturday morning, December 20, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident, which occurred along Paya Lebar Road, highlights a concerning trend of increased drink-driving arrests in the city-state.
Rising Concerns Over Drink Driving in Singapore
Authorities are cracking down on impaired drivers as arrest numbers climb.
- Police responded to a report of a stationary van on Paya Lebar Road around 12:25 a.m.
- The driver was arrested for suspected drink driving; no injuries were reported.
- Drink-driving arrests have increased from 818 in the first half of 2024 to 862 in the first half of 2025.
- The Traffic Police recently partnered with valet services to discourage driving after consuming alcohol.
The incident unfolded at approximately 12:25 a.m. on Paya Lebar Road, roughly 450 meters from Traffic Police headquarters on Ubi Avenue 3. A member of the public alerted police after noticing the van stopped in the second leftmost lane near the junction of Ubi Avenue 2.
Q: What are the penalties for drink driving in Singapore?
A: Motorists convicted of drink driving can face fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or a combination of both. Leaving a vehicle in a manner causing inconvenience can result in a fine of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Upon arriving at the scene around 1:40 a.m., officers found at least two police fast response cars, two Traffic Police outriders, and an expressway patrol car already present. Police confirmed the arrest in a statement, stating, “A 36-year-old male van driver was arrested for drink driving. No injuries were reported.” Investigations are ongoing.
Data released by the Traffic Police reveals a worrying increase in drink-driving arrests. The number rose from 818 in the first half of 2024 to 862 in the first half of 2025, prompting increased enforcement and public awareness initiatives.
Authorities urge motorists to prioritize safety and plan ahead if they intend to consume alcohol, utilizing alternative transportation options such as taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transport.
