Receiving a fine is not always the only consequence of committing a traffic offence in Singapore. Certain offences also carry demerit points under the Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS).
These points accumulate on your driving record and may eventually result in the suspension or revocation of your driving licence. Understanding the thresholds is particularly important if you drive regularly for work, family commitments or daily travel.
Key Takeaways
- Demerit points may be issued alongside a composition fine for certain traffic offences in Singapore.
- A non-probationary driver with no previous suspension may be suspended after accumulating 24 or more points within 24 months.
- Probationary drivers have their licence revoked if they accumulate 13 or more points during the one-year probation period.
- Repeat offender suspension rules use a lower threshold of 12 points within 12 months.
- Choosing suitable car deals in Singapore should be accompanied by safe and responsible driving habits.
What Are Demerit Points?
Demerit points form part of DIPS, a system used to identify and rehabilitate motorists who repeatedly break traffic rules.
When you commit a qualifying traffic offence in Singapore, points may be added to your driving record according to the seriousness of the offence. The Singapore Police Force currently lists offences carrying between three and 24 points, although more serious cases may also lead to prosecution, imprisonment or court-ordered disqualification.
Examples include:
- Failing to wear a seatbelt: three points
- Exceeding a speed limit by up to 20 km/h: four points
- Exceeding a speed limit by more than 20 km/h and up to 30 km/h: six points
- Using a mobile communication device while driving: 12 points
- Failing to comply with traffic lights: 12 points
- Reckless or dangerous driving: 24 points
Additional points may apply to specified offences committed in School Zones, Silver Zones or Friendly Streets.
How Demerit Points Work
Understanding how demerit points work begins with knowing that points are recorded after an offence carrying demerit points has been settled.
Points from different offences can accumulate. A four-point speeding offence may appear manageable on its own, but several offences within the relevant assessment period could bring you closer to suspension.
Traffic Police sends motorists notices regarding their accumulated points after each applicable offence is settled. Drivers can also check their points and existing suspension records through the Singapore Police Force’s online e-service using SingPass.
When Does Licence Suspension Happen?
For non-probationary drivers without an existing suspension record, licence suspension due to demerit points in Singapore occurs when they accumulate 24 or more points within 24 months.
A first suspension generally lasts 12 weeks. After successfully completing a DIPS Retraining Course, it may be reduced to four weeks, or potentially one week when the offences were not accident-related.
The threshold works differently for probationary drivers. A new licence holder remains on probation for one year from the licence’s issue date. Accumulating 13 or more points during that period causes the licence to be revoked and made invalid, rather than temporarily suspended.
This makes disciplined driving especially important for newer motorists purchasing their first vehicle through vehicle dealers.
What Are the Repeat Offender Suspension Rules?
Once a driver has an existing suspension record, the threshold for another suspension becomes considerably lower.
Under the current repeat offender suspension rules, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months can result in another suspension. The penalties become progressively longer:
| Suspension | Standard Duration |
| First | 12 weeks |
| Second | 24 weeks |
| Third | 1 year |
| Fourth | 2 years |
| Fifth | 3 years |
| Sixth | 4 years |
| Seventh | 5 years |
A second suspension may be reduced to 12 weeks after successful completion of the applicable retraining course. Suspensions lasting one year or longer result in the licence being revoked and invalid, meaning the driver must retake and pass the required theory and practical tests before driving again.
How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record?
Demerit points are not necessarily retained for two years from each offence.
Instead, previous points are removed when a driver does not commit another demerit-point traffic offence for 12 continuous months from the date of the last offence. Existing suspension records are removed after 24 months without a new traffic offence, counted from the date of the most recent suspension.
Committing another traffic offence in Singapore during the relevant period may therefore restart the offence-free period and allow points to continue accumulating.
Can You Reduce Your Demerit Points?
Eligible motorists may be invited by the Traffic Police to attend the voluntary Safe Driving Course.
Successfully completing the course removes four demerit points. Generally, eligible drivers must have:
- Eight to 23 points without an existing suspension record
- Four to 11 points with an existing suspension record
Probationary drivers and motorists who are already liable for suspension or licence revocation are not eligible. The course may be attempted no more than twice within ten years, with at least one year between attempts.
How to Avoid Accumulating Demerit Points
Avoiding points comes down to consistent habits rather than reacting only when your total approaches the suspension threshold.
Follow posted speed limits, put your phone away before moving off and leave enough distance to respond safely to surrounding traffic. Pay closer attention near pedestrian crossings, schools and areas with higher numbers of elderly pedestrians.
The vehicle you drive can also affect your comfort and confidence on the road. An experienced car broker in Singapore can help you consider factors such as vehicle size, visibility, handling and driver-assistance features, but technology does not replace attentive driving.
Stay Informed and Drive Responsibly with M Motors
Understanding how each traffic offence in Singapore affects your record can help you recognise the consequences before points begin to accumulate.
At M Motors, our team combines practical automotive knowledge with a genuine interest in helping drivers choose vehicles suited to their experience, routines and driving preferences. Whether you are buying your first car or changing to a model that feels easier to manage, our consultants can guide you through the available options.
Contact us to discuss your requirements and explore a vehicle that supports a safer, more confident driving experience.
