Driving in Singapore: Essential Guide for Car Rental Users
Navigating Singapore's roads can be intimidating for first-time visitors or new residents. This comprehensive guide will help you drive confidently and safely while using a rental car in the Lion City.
Singapore Traffic Rules and Regulations
Basic Driving Rules
Singapore follows left-hand driving, inherited from its British colonial past. If you're from a right-hand driving country, take extra time to adjust before hitting busy roads.
Fundamental rules:
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Overtake on the right
- Give way to traffic from the right at roundabouts
- Mandatory seatbelts for all passengers
- Children under 1.35m must use appropriate car seats
- No mobile phone use while driving (hands-free allowed)
Speed Limits
Speed limits are strictly enforced with numerous speed cameras throughout the island.
Standard speed limits:
- Expressways: 80-90 km/h
- Major arterial roads: 60-70 km/h
- Urban roads: 50 km/h
- School zones: 40 km/h (during school hours)
- Residential areas: 50 km/h
Speed camera locations:
- Fixed cameras at consistent locations
- Mobile speed traps by traffic police
- Average speed cameras on some expressways
- Red-light cameras at major intersections
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) System
Singapore's ERP system manages traffic congestion by charging vehicles entering busy areas during peak hours.
How ERP Works
- Electronic sensors detect your vehicle
- Charges deducted automatically from your IU (In-Vehicle Unit)
- Different rates for different zones and times
- No ERP charges on weekends and public holidays
ERP Rates and Zones
Peak hours (typical):
- Morning: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
- Evening: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Rates: $0.50 - $3.00 per gantry
Major ERP zones:
- Central Business District (CBD)
- Orchard Road area
- Marina Bay
- Bugis/Beach Road
- Major expressways during peak hours
Managing ERP Costs
- Plan routes to avoid multiple ERP gantries
- Travel outside peak hours when possible
- Use alternative routes with fewer ERP points
- Check real-time ERP rates on LTA's website or app
Parking in Singapore
Finding and paying for parking is crucial for rental car users. Singapore offers various parking options with different pricing structures.
Types of Parking
HDB Parking:
- Residential public housing areas
- Cheapest option: $0.65 per hour
- Usually plentiful but may require walking
- Use parking.sg app or coupon system
Shopping Mall Parking:
- Covered parking with security
- Rates: $1-2 per hour
- Often offer validation with purchases
- Higher rates in premium locations
CBD Parking:
- Most expensive: $2-4 per hour
- Limited availability
- Early arrival recommended
- Some buildings offer advance booking
Street Parking:
- Metered parking in busy areas
- White lots: short-term parking
- Red lots: longer-term parking
- Season parking for regular users
Parking Payment Methods
Parking.sg App (Recommended):
- Digital parking payment system
- No need for physical coupons
- Extend parking remotely
- Automatic notifications before expiry
Parking Coupons:
- Traditional paper coupons
- Available at 7-Eleven, petrol stations
- Must display clearly on dashboard
- Tear off date and time tabs
Cashcard/EZ-Link:
- Electronic payment at some car parks
- Convenient for frequent parkers
- Automatic deduction
Parking Violations and Fines
- Parking without payment: $35-70
- Parking in restricted areas: $70-130
- Overstaying paid parking: $35
- Parking in disabled spots: $130
- Blocking fire hydrants: $130
Road Signs and Navigation
Common Road Signs
Singapore uses international road signs with English text, making navigation easier for visitors.
Important signs to know:
- "No Entry" - Do not enter
- "Give Way" - Yield to oncoming traffic
- "Stop" - Complete stop required
- "Keep Left" - Stay in left lane
- "Bus Lane" - Restricted to buses during specified hours
Navigation Tips
Recommended Navigation Apps:
- Google Maps (most popular)
- Waze (real-time traffic updates)
- Apple Maps (iPhone users)
- Motorist app (local traffic info)
Navigation best practices:
- Download offline maps before traveling
- Check real-time traffic before departure
- Have alternative routes planned
- Understand local place names and landmarks
Fuel and Service Stations
Fuel Types and Prices
Most rental cars use RON 95 petrol, though some premium vehicles may require RON 98.
Current fuel landscape:
- RON 95: ~$2.40-2.60 per liter
- RON 98: ~$2.65-2.85 per liter
- Diesel: ~$2.20-2.40 per liter
Major petrol station brands:
- Shell (most common)
- Esso
- Caltex
- SPC
- Sinopec
Finding Cheap Fuel
- Use apps like Motorist or FuelWatch
- Compare prices before filling up
- Some stations offer discounts for cash payment
- Credit card promotions may offer fuel rebates
Emergency Procedures
What to Do in an Accident
Ensure safety first
- Move to safety if possible
- Turn on hazard lights
- Set up warning triangle if available
Contact authorities
- Call 999 for emergencies
- Call 1800-547-1818 for non-emergency police reports
- Notify your rental company immediately
Document everything
- Take photos of damage and scene
- Exchange information with other parties
- Get contact details of witnesses
- Note traffic conditions and road signs
Breakdown Assistance
Most rental companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance:
- Keep rental company contact numbers handy
- Know your vehicle registration number
- Provide clear location details
- Don't attempt major repairs yourself
Emergency Contact Numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance: 999
- Traffic Police: 6547-0000
- AA Singapore: 6748-9911
- Non-emergency police: 1800-255-0000
Common Driving Challenges
Heavy Traffic Areas
Peak hour congestion spots:
- CTE during morning/evening rush
- PIE eastbound in the morning
- AYE westbound in the evening
- CBD area throughout the day
- Causeway to Malaysia (weekends)
Strategies to avoid traffic:
- Plan travel outside peak hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM)
- Use real-time traffic apps
- Consider alternative routes
- Allow extra time for important appointments
Difficult Intersections
- Spaghetti Junction (CTE/PIE interchange)
- Woodlands Checkpoint area
- Orchard Road/Scotts Road junction
- Marina Bay area during events
Weather Considerations
Rainy season driving:
- Frequent sudden downpours
- Reduced visibility and slippery roads
- Flash floods in low-lying areas
- Increased following distance needed
Cultural Driving Etiquette
Road Courtesy
- Signal early and clearly
- Don't cut queues at merging points
- Allow motorcycles to filter through traffic
- Be patient with learner drivers (red "L" plates)
- Give way to buses pulling out from stops
What NOT to Do
- Don't honk unnecessarily (can be fined)
- Don't tailgate or drive aggressively
- Don't park in motorcycle lots
- Don't block pedestrian crossings
- Don't use bus lanes during restricted hours
Tips for Different Types of Drivers
For International Visitors
- Practice driving on the left in quiet areas first
- Familiarize yourself with local road signs
- Understand ERP system before peak hours
- Keep passport and driving license with you always
- Know your rental company's emergency procedures
For New Residents
- Apply for Singapore driving license conversion
- Learn about season parking for regular spots
- Understand residential area parking rules
- Join online communities for driving tips
- Consider driving courses for local conditions
Money-Saving Driving Tips
Fuel Efficiency
- Maintain steady speeds on expressways
- Use air conditioning wisely in stop-and-go traffic
- Keep tires properly inflated
- Remove unnecessary weight from vehicle
- Plan efficient routes to minimize distance
Avoiding Fines
- Always pay for parking
- Respect speed limits (cameras everywhere)
- Don't use mobile phone while driving
- Keep to lane markings
- Follow traffic light signals strictly
Conclusion
Driving in Singapore is generally safe and manageable once you understand the local rules and systems. The key is preparation, patience, and respect for local driving culture.
With excellent road infrastructure, clear signage, and helpful technology like the parking.sg app, rental car users can navigate Singapore confidently. Remember that driving here is a privilege that comes with responsibilities - to yourself, other road users, and the environment.
Take your time to familiarize yourself with these guidelines, and you'll find that driving in Singapore can be an enjoyable and convenient way to explore this beautiful city-state.
