Like all road users, we recall being taught about the red, amber, and green lights at school. But what does it mean to beat the red light? What are the consequences?
Whether in our driving lessons or primary education, we all understood the significance of each colour.
In simple terms:
- Red means “Stop.”
- Amber means “Stop,” unless you’re so close to the stop line when the light turns amber that stopping would be unsafe.
- Green means “Go,” but only when it’s safe to proceed.
Screengrab of the signs and signals in Singapore / Singapore Statutes Online
Increasing number of vehicles running red lights
However, based on the videos that ROADS.sg has received, there is a growing concern over an increasing number of vehicles disregarding the traffic lights, particularly running red lights when they should not have.
These motorists are not only flouting traffic regulations, but they are also posing significant dangers to other road users.
Fined up to $500 and 12 demerit points
Under the Road Traffic Act, running a red light is an offence that incurs 12 demerit points.
Furthermore, offenders can be fined up to S$500 if the transgression occurs within silver zones or school zones.
For those that are interested in learning more about the silver zones and school zones, you can refer to the annex available on the Land Transport Authority (LTA) website.
Poses great danger to other road users
Beyond the traffic offences these motorists commit, their actions are deemed dangerous, potentially leading to accidents on the road.
For example, one recording submitted to us shows a white car nearly colliding with a pedestrian crossing the road, having ignored the red traffic light signalling motorists to stop.
Had the car arrived just a few seconds earlier, or had the pedestrian been a few steps further forward, a collision would have been inevitable. The repercussions of such an incident would have been grave for both parties.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
Another case of driver running red light
In another video submitted to us, a different car, later identified as a rental from an Electric Vehicle (EV) company, was observed stopping at the stop line but then moving forward despite the red light still showing.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
However, it’s worth noting that the driver of this particular vehicle might have confused the traffic light in front with the one they should have been following.
A sharp netizen quickly commented, “He mistaken it. Sometimes when traffic so close to each other, it’s not right but it happened”
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
While another comment reads “Driver got super good fore sight…”
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
While incidents like this do occur, particularly when one is in the foremost car, the traffic lights might not always be visible without tilting one’s head slightly upwards.
However, such oversights cannot be tolerated, given the serious dangers these mistakes present.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
Staying vigilant on the road
Both examples we have observed share a common challenge – poor visibility.
The first incident occurred in rainy weather, while the second took place at night.
It’s imperative for all road users, whether motorists or pedestrians, to remain vigilant and alert at all times to prevent accidents.
Have a story to share ?
Accidents occur frequently, but as responsible road users, we can collectively contribute to reducing their frequency.
If you or someone you know has a video or story to share, please do not hesitate to email us at writer@roads.sg
Together, we can all contribute to creating safer roads for everyone.
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