Singapore’s Traffic Police: Tough Stance on Lorry Speed Limiters

Singapore’s traffic authorities are stepping up their enforcement actions regarding the installation of speed limiters in lorries. With a deadline set for January 1, 2026, lorry owners are being urged to comply or face serious consequences. As the deadline approaches, a significant number of vehicles remain without the necessary speed limiting devices.

Compliance Status

As of December 20, only 402 out of 2,485 lorries required to install speed limiters have done so, which accounts for approximately 16.2% of the total. The authorities are implementing staggered deadlines for compliance, based on factors like the lorry’s weight capacity and registration date.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

The Traffic Police have made it clear that lorries failing to meet these requirements will not be allowed on the roads, and road tax renewal will also be prohibited for non-compliant vehicles. Furthermore, owners of lorries that do not comply will face a range of penalties, including increased fines for related offences.

Increased Penalties on the Horizon

Starting in 2026, the maximum penalty for failing to install speed limiters or tampering with them will significantly increase. Currently set at S$1,000, the fine for such violations will surge to S$10,000 (about US$7,770) as part of legislative amendments introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Presently, drivers operating lorries without the mandated speed limiters risk a fine of up to S$1,000 or even three months of imprisonment. Repeat offenders could see penalties escalate to a maximum fine of S$2,000 or a six-month jail term.

Future Implications for Companies

From January 1, 2026, firms whose drivers are caught speeding will be issued a remedial order under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. This designation is indicative of unsafe practices, compelling companies to install speed limiters in all their remaining lorries ahead of the statutory deadlines. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to S$50,000.

Conclusion

The push for speed limiters in Singapore’s lorry fleet is intended to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. With stringent measures and steep penalties on the horizon, lorry owners and companies need to act promptly to comply with the regulations.