💰 Fines & Penalties — Don’t Be Siao: Singapore Edition 🚨
🇸🇬 Singapore is clean, safe, and efficient — because rules are rules, and fines hit faster than a durian in monsoon season 🌩️💨. Whether you're a tourist, expat, or local, ignorance is not an excuse. Break the law? The fine will come with a side of shame 🍳 and CCTV footage 📹👀.
Locals follow these rules not because they’re scared, but because it keeps the city running smoothly. And yes — NEA officers patrol like hawks, and CCTV sees all.
So keep your wallet ready — and your gum, vape, and phone in check.
📋 Common Fines in Singapore (2025)
Yes, these apply to tourists too. No exceptions. Reality Check tells you if it’s actively enforced.
| ⚠️ Offense | 💸 Penalty (SGD) | 🔍 Reality Check (Enforcement Level) |
|---|---|---|
| 껌 Chewing Gum (Import/Sale) | Up to $100,000 and/or 2 years jail | High Enforcement: Customs and NEA actively screen luggage. Even 2 sticks? You’ll be questioned. Selling it? Game over. |
| 🗑️ Littering (Cigarette Butt, Tissue, Food) | $300 (1st), up to $1,000 (repeat) | Very High Enforcement: NEA officers patrol hawker centres and parks daily. Drop a tissue? Fine issued on the spot. |
| 🚗 Littering from Vehicle | $500 | High Enforcement: CCTV monitors roads. If caught, all passengers can be fined unless driver names culprit. |
| 🚶♂️ Jaywalking | $50–$150 | Medium Enforcement: Common near MRT exits. Officers issue fines during peak hours. Use the crossing — it’s not hard. |
| 🚭 Smoking in Prohibited Areas | $200–$1,000 | Very High Enforcement: Hawker centres, parks, MRT stations — strictly no smoking. NEA and town councils enforce heavily. |
| 💨 Vaping / E-Cigarette Use | $1,000 (1st), up to $2,000 + jail | Very High Enforcement: Full ban since 2020. Possession or use = fine. Confiscated at airports. No exceptions. |
| 🚽 Urine in Elevator / Public Toilet | $500–$1,000 | Medium Enforcement: Caught via CCTV. Town councils issue fines and may visit your home. Yes, really. |
| 🚇 Eating/Drinking on MRT/LRT | $500 | Very High Enforcement: Transit officers patrol daily. Even a sip of bubble tea? You’ll get fined. Water only. |
| 🎨 Vandalism (Graffiti, Scratching Cars) | Up to $2,000 + 3 years jail + caning | Extreme Enforcement: Caning is mandatory. Police take it seriously. Even a scratch on a car = vandalism charge. |
| 💊 Drugs (Even a Tiny Bit) | Mandatory rehab, jail, or death | Extreme Enforcement: Zero tolerance. Even trace amounts. You will be caught. You will be punished. |
| 🕊️ Feeding Pigeons / Ducks | $300–$1,000 | Medium Enforcement: NEA runs sting operations in parks. Yes, they hide and watch. Don’t risk it. |
| 🚽 Not Flushing Public Toilet | $150 | Low-Medium Enforcement: CCTV in some toilets. Fines issued if caught. Be a good human. Flush. |
| 🛒 Illegal Hawking (Street Vending) | $1,000–$5,000 | High Enforcement: Hawkers without license? Goods confiscated. No warning. No appeal. |
| 🅿️ Parking Violations | $40–$320+ | Very High Enforcement: Use Parking.sg app. Even 5 minutes over? Fine arrives in days. |
| 🚗 Driving Without Insurance | Up to $3,000 or 12 months jail | High Enforcement: Checked during traffic stops or accidents. No excuse. |
| 📱 Using Phone While Driving | $1,000 + 12 demerit points | Very High Enforcement: Traffic cameras catch this daily. Even hands-free? Only Bluetooth allowed. |
| 🪑 Not Wearing Seatbelt (Front/Back) | $120 per unsecured occupant | High Enforcement: Driver is responsible. Kids without car seats? Automatic fine. |
| 🛂 Overstaying Visa | $100–$3,000 + possible caning/deportation | Extreme Enforcement: Automatic fine. May be detained, banned from re-entry. Sponsors lose bond money. |
| 💼 Working Without Pass | $20,000 fine + 2 years jail (employer), deportation (worker) | High Enforcement: Includes freelancing, tutoring, helping a friend’s stall. Tourist visa ≠ work permit. |
| 🛸 Drone Flying (No Permit) | Up to $20,000 and/or 12 months jail | High Enforcement: CAAS monitors airspace. Even small drones need approval. Flying without permit? You’ll be tracked. |
| 🍺 Public Drunkenness / Disorderly Conduct | Up to $1,000 or 3 months jail | Medium Enforcement: Police arrest loud or aggressive drunks. Falling asleep on MRT? You might get a warning. |
| 🇸🇬 Disrespecting National Symbols | Up to $10,000 and/or 3 years jail | High Enforcement: Mocking anthem, flag desecration, refusing pledge — taken very seriously. Avoid political stunts. |
| 💊 Bringing in Illegal Medication | Up to $10,000 + 10 years jail | High Enforcement: ADHD meds (e.g. Adderall), codeine syrup — all controlled. Declare or check HSA first. |
| 🛑 Queue Jumping (Serious Cases) | Up to $1,000 | Low Enforcement: Rare, but aggressive cutting (e.g. at immigration) can be charged under public order laws. Locals will scold you first. |
🔁 Repeat Offenses? Say Hello to Court 🏛️ (and Possibly Caning 🪢)
- First time? Maybe a warning 🟡. Second time? Composition fine or court summons ⚖️.
- Some offenses use a demerit point system ⚠️ — collect enough, and you’ll be explaining yourself to a magistrate 🧑⚖️.
- 🪢 Caning applies for serious stuff like vandalism, drug trafficking, illegal entry, and rape. Yes, even foreigners can be caned (males under 50).
- ✈️ Deportation is automatic for drug offenses, overstaying, or working illegally. May be banned from re-entry for years.
💡 Pro Tips to Stay Out of Trouble ✅
- When in doubt, DON’T. 🚫 If there’s a sign, follow it. If unsure, ask.
- Carry a small trash bag 🗑️ when eating on the go. Be the hero who doesn’t litter. 🦸♂️
- Use Parking.sg app 📱 — no excuses for expired coupons.
- Download SGSecure 🛡️ — get real-time safety alerts from the government 🚨.
- Never touch someone else’s car or property 🚫🚗 — scratching a door = vandalism 🎨.
- Check your meds 💊 at HSA — some ADHD meds are illegal here.
- Don’t fly drones without permit 🚫🛸 — even a mini one. CAAS is watching 👀.
- Respect queues 🚶♂️🚶♀️ — no cutting, even if you’re in a hurry. Chiong later, stand properly now. ⏳
🚨 Emergency & Fine Wisdom (Straight from the Kopitiam): ☕
- For emergencies: 📞 Police 999, Ambulance/Fire 995 🚑🔥.
- For fines: Your wallet 💸. Keep it handy — and preferably empty of gum 🚫껌, vapes 🚫💨, and loose trash 🚫🗑️.
- If you feel like doing something "harmless" but sketchy? Wah, better not. This is Singapore, not a blur holiday. 🌴❌
- Being savvy 🧠 beats being siao 🤪 (crazy/foolish) every single time.
- Remember: CCTV sees all 📹👁️. NEA is everywhere 👵. And the system does not forgive. ⚖️
💡 Travel Insurance: Don’t Risk It
Accidents happen. Fines happen. Get travel insurance that covers medical, lost items, and yes — even fines.
Recommended: Klook Travel Insurance or WorldNomads.