As Singapore gets more and more affluent, there are many rich young people out there who are able to afford good, fast and expensive cars. It is not uncommon to see Lamborghini or other Fast Japanese GTRs on the roads these days. BUT Singapore’s roads are highly regulated and there are cameras almost every where on the Highways and the roads. It is therefore not possible to speed on the roads here in Singapore, however, many of these speed devils goes to Malaysia highways or even in the straighter roads of Singapore ( like Changi Airport area) for some Speed Trials. In the old days, we could see many of the Speedsters gathering around the Changi Beach Area with their super remodelled cars trying and testing out their cars to the max. But these days, with more and more stringent traffic laws and TP’s efficient enforcements. These sort of Trials have been less common.
Damaged car from the recent Speed Trial suspect at Stadium Road
THE LAW
Under the Road Traffic Act, it is ILLEGAL to conduct Vehicle Speed Trials in Singapore
Restriction of competitions and speed trials
Under Section 116 Of CHAPTER 276 Road Traffic Act
—(1) No competition or trial of speed involving the use of vehicles shall take place on a road without the written approval of the Minister.
(2) Any such written approval may be made subject to such conditions to be specified therein as the Minister may think fit to impose.
(3) For the purpose of any duly approved competition or trial of speed, the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, regulate or restrict or prohibit to such extent and subject to such conditions or exceptions as may be specified therein the use of a road or part thereof.
(4) No such order shall be made, unless not less than 7 days before the making thereof, a notice of intention to make the order, specifying its general nature and describing alternative routes, if any, available for traffic, animals and pedestrians, has been published by the Minister in one or more newspapers which circulate in Singapore.
(5) So long as any order made under
subsection (3) remains in force, a notice stating the effect of the order and describing any alternative routes available for traffic, animals or pedestrians shall be kept posted in a conspicuous manner at each end of the part of the road to which the order relates and at the points at which it will be necessary for traffic, animals or pedestrians to diverge from the road.
(6) The cost of every such notice and publication shall be paid in advance to the Minister by the person promoting the competition or trial of speed.
(7) Any person who promotes or takes part in any competition or trial of speed without the written approval of the Minister and any driver or person in charge of any vehicle used in or taking part in any such competition or trial of speed shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months and shall also be punished with a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months and with a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $3,000.
(8)
Any police officer may arrest without warrant any person committing an offence under subsection (7) and may seize and detain for the purposes of proceedings under this Act any vehicle used in or taking part in any competition or trial of speed without the written approval of the Minister.(9) A person convicted of an offence under
subsection (7) shall, unless the court for any special reason thinks fit to order otherwise and without prejudice to the power of the court to order a longer period of disqualification, be disqualified for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of the conviction from holding or obtaining a driving licence.
If you look at point 7 and 8 where the bold portions are, it is not hard to see that getting caught for Illegal Speed Trial is quite a serious offence. It is also not difficult for the police officers to catch and summon you as they have the LICENCE to KILL!!
Whats more most of the drivers are usually youngsters ( teenagers) who just got their licence or worse, HAVE NOT EVEN gotten their licence. This can pose even greater offence for them and their parents ( who let them drive their cars). SO PARENTS, do check carefully where your kids are going if they wanna drive out on their own. I know of some parents who insist to be beside their child when they drive for the 1st year of probation. This is for safe sake and at the same time ensure that their extra pair of eyes can help to prevent accidents etc. This is especially crucial for the first year drivers as they can get their licence suspended easily.
RECENT CASE
Illegal Speed Trial near Stadium Road
Reported by Straits Times, Teen was arrested around Aug 2016 period for Illegal Speed Trial and crashing his car into a Toyota car in a Carpark near the Stadium Road. Both vehicles were badly damaged and the Toyota car driver sustained severe Injuries to his ribs.
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/teen-suspect-in-illegal-speed-trial-crash-arrested
Do think twice about your life and other road users’ life, be responsible!
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