S$639,000 in outstanding fines recovered from foreign motorists at Singapore land checkpoints

A total of 265 foreign motorists were stopped at Singapore's land checkpoints from Sep 28 to 30, with authorities recovering more than S$639,000 in outstanding fines. The multi-agency operation targeted vehicular and traffic offences, and from Nov 2, foreign vehicles with unpaid fines will be barred

SINGAPORE: A total of 265 foreign motorists were stopped at Singapore's land checkpoints in late September over outstanding fines, the authorities said on Thursday (Oct 8). Authorities recovered more than S$639,000 (US$499,000) in outstanding fines from them during a multi-agency operation from Sep 28 to Sep 30, according to a joint news release by six government agencies.

“During the operation, foreign motorists with outstanding fines were stopped and directed to settle their fines for vehicular and traffic offences when they entered Singapore at the land checkpoints,” the agencies said. Singapore takes “a serious view” of foreign motorists who commit offences here and fail to settle their fines, they added, noting that authorities regularly conduct operations against such motorists.

Those with outstanding fines for traffic, parking, or vehicular emissions offences may be denied entry into Singapore. The operation was led by the Traffic Police and supported by officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Housing and Development Board (HDB), Land Transport Authority (LTA), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

CNA has contacted the police for a breakdown of the offences for which the motorists were fined. From Nov 2, foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding fines for traffic, parking or vehicular emissions offences in Singapore will not be able to apply for or renew their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). All foreign-registered vehicles must have a valid VEP to enter Singapore.

Foreign motorists are advised to check whether they have outstanding fines online and must settle them before applying for or renewing their VEP at LTA's OneMotoring website. Fines can be paid at AXS kiosks or through its website and mobile apps. Motorists can also make payment through the relevant Singapore agencies' websites or at their customer service counters.

According to LTA's website, payment service providers may take up to two days to process fine payments and update the records in the agencies' systems.