26 motorists to be charged for drink driving, including 3 who fell asleep behind the wheel
The police will be charging 26 motorists, aged between 21 and 61, in court on Dec 18 with drink driving offences.
They were arrested between July and November after failing breathalyser tests administered during police enforcement checks.
Three motorists face an additional charge of leaving a vehicle in a manner causing undue inconvenience to others.
Two repeat drink driving offenders, aged 34 and 51, were stopped by the police for checks on Jul 21 and Oct 25 respectively, and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
As repeat offenders, the men will be charged under Section 67(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 read with Section 67(2)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. If convicted, they will serve a mandatory jail sentence.
For the three men who face additional charges, aged between 21 and 34 years old, they had left their vehicles in a stationary position along Bukit Timah Road, Sengkang Central and Corporation Road respectively.
"Their actions obstructed and potentially caused danger to other road users," the police said in a statement on Dec 17
Investigations revealed that all three had driven their cars after allegedly consuming alcohol, and subsequently fell asleep behind the wheel.
They will be charged with drink driving and leaving a vehicle in a position causing undue inconvenience to others under Section 67(1)(b) and Section 122 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 respectively.
The offence of driving while under the influence of alcohol under Section 67(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, or a jail term of up to 12 months, or both.
In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the offence carries a fine ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, and a jail term of up to two years. Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.
The offence of leaving a vehicle in a manner causing undue inconvenience to others under Section 122 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $2,000, or a jail term of up to three months, or both.
In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, motorists are liable to a fine of up to $5,000, or a jail term of up to six months, or both.
"Driving under the influence of alcohol is an extremely dangerous and irresponsible act," the police said, adding that they do not condone drink-driving and will not hesitate to take firm action against offenders.
Members of the public should not drive if they intend to consume alcohol, and should opt for alternative forms of transport, such as taking a taxi or private hire vehicle, public transport, engaging the services of a valet, or designating a non-drinking driver to send them home.
All motorists are reminded to abide by traffic laws to keep the roads safe for everyone.
