By car in Singapore

Driving in Singapore is not a challenge, but rather an experience of systematic and clear rules. Traffic is well organized, drivers are polite, and violations are rare thanks to strict controls and a system of fines. However, some features may surprise Ukrainians who are used to different road conditions.

Speed limits and enforcement

Speed limits in Singapore are quite low, but justified by safety concerns:

• In cities — mostly 50 km/h.
• On expressways — 70–90 km/h.
• In school zones and residential areas — 40 km/h or less.

Automatic cameras are installed everywhere to record speeding violations. Even exceeding the speed limit by 5 km/h can result in a fine.

Parking: where and how

In Singapore, it is prohibited to park anywhere. All street parking spaces are marked with special signs or markings, and enforcement is very strict.

• Parking is mostly paid.
• Payment is made via the Parking.sg app or special scratch cards, which are still used in some areas.
  
• The cost ranges from 0.6 to 2 SGD/hour, and in the city center or shopping malls, it can be up to 4 SGD/hour.
• Improper parking is punishable by a fine of up to $100 SGD and, in some cases, towing.

Watch out for yellow/white markings and information signs: they clearly indicate the permitted parking time.

Pedestrians, traffic lights, and road signs

Pedestrians in Singapore always have the right of way. If someone steps onto a crosswalk, stop. Traffic lights are synchronized, and almost all have audible signals for the blind.

Road signs are informative, with all inscriptions in English. Be aware of ERP signs (electronic road pricing for central areas).

Behavior in traffic: cities and highways

Traffic is heavy in cities, especially during rush hour (8:00–9:30 a.m. and 5:30–7:00 p.m.). However, drivers keep their distance, do not honk without reason, and respect the rules.

There are separate lanes for buses and taxis on expressways. Be careful — driving in these lanes during prohibited times will result in a fine. When leaving the city, pay attention to the ERP system and toll roads.

ERP — toll roads in Singapore

Singapore has a unique electronic toll collection system called ERP (Electronic Road Pricing). These are not ordinary toll motorways, but special zones in the city center where travel during rush hour is more expensive. The main goal is to reduce traffic jams, and the system really works: traffic in the CBD (central business district) is automatically regulated by cameras and arches.

Every car must have a special device called an IU (In-vehicle Unit) installed, which reads the payment from a CashCard or CEPAS card. When passing under an ERP arch, the corresponding amount is automatically deducted from the balance (depending on the time, zone, and day of the week). The cost can range from $0.50 to $4 SGD per trip.

For rental cars, it's simple: the device is already installed, and the card is included or can be purchased separately. The rental company usually warns that funds may be debited automatically or added to the total bill when the car is returned.

Important: do not ignore ERP, even if you “stop under the arch” or “drive around it.” All passages are recorded by cameras, and if the balance is insufficient, a fine of $10 SGD + the amount of the unpaid fee will be issued.

Use of headlights, seat belts, and child seats

• Headlights must be turned on at night, in tunnels, and when it rains.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
  
• Children under 1.35 m tall must be transported in a certified car seat. In some cases, booster seats are allowed, depending on the weight of the child.

Singapore is not a country of long distances, but cars are widely used here, especially rental cars. All processes, including refueling, are automated, convenient, and well regulated. However, there are some nuances that Ukrainians should be aware of.

Fuel types and prices

Most gas stations in Singapore offer:

• RON 95 and RON 98 gasoline — the most common types.
  
• Diesel — less common due to low demand.
  
• Electric charging stations — are becoming increasingly popular, especially in residential complexes and shopping centers.

As of 2026, the price of RON 95 gasoline ranges from 2.80–2.90 SGD per liter, which is equivalent to 77–80 UAH. Prices may change weekly, so it is worth checking the latest information on the websites of gas station chains (e.g., Shell, Esso, SPC, Caltex) before traveling.

Payment

There are no gas station attendants in Singapore — drivers serve themselves. You simply pull up, insert your card into the terminal, select the type of fuel, and fill up.

Payment methods:

• Bank cards (Visa/Mastercard)
  
• Local contactless systems — NETS, PayNow, GrabPay
• Some companies accept payment via mobile apps (Esso App, CaltexGO)

Cash is rare. If you rent a car, check if there are any restrictions on the use of the card attached to the rental agreement.

Locations and navigation

Although the country is compact, gas stations are not everywhere. There are not many in the city center — they are mainly located along expressways or in residential areas. Plan your refueling in advance, especially if you are traveling around the island during evening traffic jams.

Google Maps is a convenient way to find gas stations, which shows:

• Fuel availability
• Real-time prices
  
• Hours of operation (most are open 24/7)

Electric vehicles

The number of electric vehicles in Singapore is growing rapidly. If you are renting an EV:

• Charging stations can be found through the BlueSG, Shell Recharge, and SP Group apps.
• The cost of charging is on average 0.50–0.60 SGD/kWh.
  
• In some shopping centers, the first 30–60 minutes of charging may be free.

Check the charging rules with the company where you rent your car.

Even in a country with one of the lowest accident rates in Asia, drivers are not immune to the unexpected. If you are involved in a traffic accident in Singapore, it is important not to panic and to follow the rules — otherwise, you could face heavy fines or even criminal charges.

What to do at the scene of an accident

First, stop. In Singapore, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. Even if the collision seems minor, make sure everyone is safe and call the police if:

• there are injuries;
  
• one of the parties refuses to provide their details;
• public or private property has been damaged.

You can call the police at 999 and an ambulance at 995.

Communicating with other participants

Once you are sure that the situation is under control, record the following information:

• take photos of the vehicles and damage;
• exchange contact details, driver's licenses, and insurance documents;
  
• if the car is rented, call the rental company immediately.

This is not just a recommendation: most insurance companies will only cover damages if you followed these instructions.

What about insurance?

In Singapore, an accident report must be filed within 24 hours. It often needs to be completed at an officially approved service center that works with your insurance company. If you are using a rental car, the rental company will tell you where to go.

Do not repair the car before filing the report, as this may void your insurance coverage.

Singapore is considered one of the strictest countries in the world when it comes to traffic rules. Not only is there a clear system of penalties in place, but they are also enforced without exception. If you plan to drive in this city-state, you need to be as careful and disciplined as possible.

Speeding

Automatic speed control systems cover almost all of Singapore, including less congested areas. The standard speed limit in the city is 50 km/h, on major highways — 70–90 km/h, and in residential areas — only 40 km/h. Exceeding the speed limit by even 1–10 km/h can cost $130–150 SGD, with no “warnings” or “forgiveness for foreigners.”

If the violation is recorded on a rented car, the fine will be deducted from your deposit or blocked amount on your card.

Illegal parking

Singapore has a strict system of parking zones with mandatory payment via apps or coupons (issued by landlords). Parking in a prohibited area (e.g., in front of a fire exit, on the sidewalk, in a service vehicle zone) is punishable by a fine of $70–150 SGD. In case of a repeat violation, this amount may double.

Other common violations

Violations frequently recorded among foreigners:

• not wearing a seatbelt — $120 SGD;
• talking on the phone without a hands-free device — $200 SGD;
  
• running a red light — up to $400 SGD or a court summons;
  
• incorrect turn or driving in a prohibited direction — $150 SGD.

Drivers are also liable for dangerous maneuvering, excessive noise, and use of the horn in prohibited areas (which is strictly regulated near hospitals, schools, and religious sites).

Is it possible to “negotiate”?

In Singapore, the penalty system is completely formalized. Negotiating with an inspector on the spot is not only illegal but also qualifies as an attempt to bribe, which is punishable by a $10,000 SGD fine or imprisonment. All violations are recorded and processed centrally.

How to pay a fine

Fines incurred on a rental car are usually paid by the rental company, which then charges your card. If you rented the car for a longer period and the fine was issued in your name, you can pay online via the OneMotoring website, at AXS terminals, or at post offices.