If you are traveling to this dynamic city-state, you might need some driving tips for Singapore. Driving is a great way to get around and allows you to see all that this modern yet historic republic. We give you an overview of some rules and regulations here, along with speed limits and other information you might need to help you get on the road with confidence.
Rules & Regulations
Here are some rules and driving tips that you will need to know in order to successfully get around in Singapore.
- In Singapore, you drive on the left side of the road.
- The right lane is the fast lane. You should always overtake on the right-hand side. Please remember to keep left if you’re not overtaking.
- Seat belts and child seats are mandatory. Anyone below the height of 1.35 meters (4 feet 5 inches) will be required to be secured with a child restraint appropriate for a person of that height and weight, use a booster seat to supplement the seat belt, or use an adjustable seat belt.
- The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
- Headlights must be turned on between 7 pm and 7 am.
- Regulatory signs are usually circular, in red or blue. They regulate the movement of traffic and failure to comply with them constitutes an offense.
- At uncontrolled junctions, traffic from the right has right of way. Please keep in mind that having the right of way and getting right of way are two different things. Always anticipate having to stop.
- When turning right at a large junction, you will cross the lanes of traffic traveling in the opposite direction. You will have to give way. Wait in the designated boxes on the junction for the traffic coming from the opposite direction to clear, or wait for the green arrow on the traffic lights to light up, in which case traffic from the opposite side will stop and you can proceed. A flashing arrow means you must stop unless you are too close to stop safely (same as amber on a normal traffic light). When turning left at a junction, you might come across a slipway leading you past the traffic lights. If this is the case, you do not have to stop for the traffic lights, but you must give way to traffic on the road you are about to merge onto.
Speed Limits
These are some of the standard speed limits to adhere to when driving in Singapore. Be sure to look out for signs marking changes to speeds in construction zones, around schools, and in other special circumstances.
| Within city limits | 50 km/h (31 mph) |
| Outside city limits | 70-90 km/h (43-56 mph) |
What to Bring With You
Here are some standard documents you should have with you when driving in Singapore.
- You should obtain an International Driver’s Permit from your home country or from the Automobile Association of Singapore. US residents can get one from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
- Valid driver’s license.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of insurance.
Additional Information
With so many sights to see and places to explore you will reap the rewards of having a SIXT rent a car during your stay in Singapore.
You could go to Sentosa Island, which is an ex-British military base now home to museums, golf courses, restaurants, city beaches, gardens and much more. Drive to Singapore Zoological Gardens to see wildlife up close including, orangutans and baboons or The Jurong Bird Park where you will see parrots, macaws, pelicans, vultures, eagles, and ostriches. If you are into Indian culture go to Little India for some authentic shops and food. A trip to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without taking the family to Universal Studios!
You can explore Singapore at your own leisure and have enough time to see everything you want in a SIXT car rental.
