Navigating Singapore by Car: A Visitor's Guide
Singapore may be small in size (just 50 km from east to west and 27 km from north to south), but its road system is sophisticated, efficient, and distinct from many other countries. Whether you're a tourist planning to rent a car during your visit or an expatriate considering driving in the Lion City, understanding Singapore's unique driving environment will ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know before getting behind the wheel in Singapore, from licensing requirements to road rules and local driving customs.
Before You Drive: Essential Requirements
Driving License Requirements
To drive legally in Singapore as a visitor, you need:
- A valid driving license from your home country (in English or with an official English translation)
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English
- Valid passport and appropriate visa or entry permit
Foreign licenses are valid for up to 12 months from your date of entry to Singapore. If you're staying longer, you'll need to convert to a Singapore driving license.
Age Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Singapore. However, most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, and for luxury vehicles, the minimum age is often 25.
Insurance
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Singapore. When renting a car, basic insurance is typically included in the rental package, but you may want to consider additional coverage for peace of mind.
Understanding Singapore's Road System
Basic Road Rules
- Drive on the left side of the road (similar to the UK, Australia, and Japan)
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, front and rear
- Child restraint seats are required for children under 1.35m in height
- Mobile phone use while driving is strictly prohibited unless using a hands-free system
- Speed limits are typically 50 km/h on urban roads, 70-90 km/h on major roads, and up to 90 km/h on expressways
Singapore's Road Categories
Singapore's roads are organized into a clear hierarchy:
- Expressways - High-speed, limited-access highways with "PIE," "KPE," "CTE," etc. designations
- Major Arterial Roads - Multi-lane roads connecting different regions
- Collector Roads - Connecting residential areas to arterial roads
- Local Access Roads - Small roads within residential neighborhoods
Understanding Road Signs
Singapore's road signs follow the British system with some local variations. Key signs to recognize include:
- Red circles - Prohibitory signs (e.g., no entry, no right turn)
- Blue circles - Mandatory signs (e.g., keep left)
- Triangular signs - Warning signs (e.g., pedestrian crossing ahead)
- Rectangular signs - Informational signs
Unique Features of Singapore's Road System
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)
One of Singapore's most distinctive traffic management features is the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, designed to reduce congestion in high-traffic areas:
- ERP gantries are located throughout the city, particularly in the Central Business District and on major expressways
- Charges apply during peak hours and vary depending on location and time
- All vehicles in Singapore are equipped with an In-vehicle Unit (IU) where you insert a stored-value card (CashCard or EZ-Link)
- When renting a car, the IU and a card will be provided (charges incurred will typically be billed to you later)
Yellow Box Junctions
Yellow box junctions are common at intersections. The rule is simple but strictly enforced: do not enter the box unless your exit is clear. Stopping within a yellow box can result in a fine.
Bus Lanes
Singapore has dedicated bus lanes that operate during specific hours (typically 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-8:00 PM on weekdays). During these hours, only buses and bicycles may use these lanes, which are marked with solid yellow lines.
Parking in Singapore
Parking Systems
Singapore uses several parking payment systems:
- Electronic Parking System (EPS) - Found in most public car parks, requiring the same stored-value card used for ERP
- Coupon Parking - Used in some areas, requiring pre-purchased paper coupons displayed on your dashboard
- Mobile Applications - Apps like Parking.sg allow for digital payment in coupon parking zones
Parking Restrictions
Pay attention to these common parking restrictions:
- Double yellow lines - No parking at any time
- Single yellow lines - No parking during restricted hours
- Loading/unloading bays - Limited to 15 minutes
- Lots designated for disabled persons - Reserved for vehicles displaying the appropriate permit
Navigation and Traffic Information
GPS and Navigation Apps
While Singapore's road network is well-organized with clear signage, having GPS navigation is highly recommended for visitors. Popular options include:
- Google Maps - Works well in Singapore with live traffic updates
- Waze - Particularly good for real-time traffic conditions
- Local apps like "MyTransport.SG" provide ERP rates and traffic camera feeds
Traffic Updates
For current traffic conditions, consider:
- Radio stations 938NOW (938 FM) and Symphony 92.4 FM provide regular traffic updates
- The Land Transport Authority's (LTA) social media channels and website offer traffic news
- Electronic signboards on expressways display travel time information
Driving Etiquette and Local Customs
General Driving Behavior
Understanding local driving norms will help you integrate seamlessly into Singapore traffic:
- Singaporean drivers generally follow rules strictly and expect others to do the same
- Lane discipline is important - stay in your lane and signal early before changing
- Giving way to buses exiting bus bays is mandatory
- Use your horn sparingly - excessive honking is considered impolite
- Flash your headlights to indicate you're giving way (not as a sign of frustration as in some countries)
Pedestrian Crossings
Always stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings - this rule is strictly enforced, and pedestrians have the right of way.
Traffic Enforcement and Penalties
Speed Cameras and Enforcement
Singapore has an extensive network of traffic cameras monitoring for speeding, running red lights, and other violations. Speed camera locations are often marked with signs, but not always. The tolerance for speeding is very low, and penalties are significant.
Common Penalties
Traffic fines in Singapore are relatively high:
- Speeding (exceeding limit by 1-20 km/h): S$150
- Speeding (exceeding limit by 21-30 km/h): S$200
- Running a red light: S$200
- Illegal parking: S$70-120
- Using a mobile phone while driving: S$1,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment for first offense
In addition to fines, offenses also carry demerit points. For visitors using rental cars, traffic violation fines will typically be charged to your credit card by the rental company.
Fuel Stations
Singapore has several major fuel station chains:
- Shell
- Esso
- Caltex
- SPC (Singapore Petroleum Company)
Most stations accept major credit cards and operate 24/7. Fuel in Singapore is sold by the liter and is typically more expensive than in neighboring countries.
Emergency Information
Important Emergency Numbers
- Police: 999
- Ambulance/Fire: 995
- Vehicle Breakdown: 1800-225-5582 (Automobile Association of Singapore)
- Traffic Police: 6547 0000
In Case of an Accident
If you're involved in a traffic accident:
- Stop your vehicle if it's safe to do so
- For minor accidents with no injuries, move your vehicle to the side of the road if possible
- Exchange particulars with the other driver (name, contact details, vehicle registration, insurance information)
- Take photographs of the damage and accident scene
- Report the accident to the rental company immediately
- For accidents with injuries, call the police (999)
Tips for a Smooth Driving Experience
Plan Your Route
Before setting out, plan your journey and familiarize yourself with the route. Consider:
- Avoid driving during peak hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) if possible
- Check if your route includes ERP gantries and the applicable charges
- Research parking options at your destination in advance
Weather Considerations
Singapore experiences frequent heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon season (November to January). During rainstorms:
- Reduce your speed
- Increase following distance
- Use headlights for better visibility
- Be cautious of puddles and potential flash floods in low-lying areas
Conclusion
Driving in Singapore offers a convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. While the road system has its unique features and regulations, the excellent infrastructure and clear signage make it relatively straightforward once you understand the basics.
By familiarizing yourself with the regulations, respecting local driving customs, and planning ahead, you can enjoy a stress-free driving experience in one of Asia's most modern cities.
At Ploras Poon, we provide all our customers with detailed briefings on Singapore's driving regulations and helpful tips before you drive away in one of our vehicles. Our staff are always available to answer any questions and provide additional guidance to ensure your Singapore driving experience is safe and enjoyable.
Ready to explore Singapore by car? Browse our fleet or contact our team to make your reservation today.