🇸🇬 Drive Singapore with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Singapore?
Recommended — Required by Rental Companies
While some nationalities can drive in Singapore with their home license for up to 12 months, most rental companies require an IDP at the counter. Singapore has extremely strict traffic enforcement and having proper documentation is essential to avoid complications with both rental agencies and police.
Strict Traffic Enforcement
Singapore is known for having some of the strictest traffic laws in the world. Speed cameras are everywhere, fines are steep, and repeat offenders face imprisonment. Mobile phone use while driving, running red lights, and drunk driving all carry severe penalties including potential jail time.
Driving Rules in Singapore
Drive on the Left
Singapore drives on the left with right-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the right only. The island is compact and well-connected by expressways. GPS navigation is essential due to complex interchange systems.
ERP Tolls & COE
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantries automatically charge tolls during peak hours. Rental cars come equipped with ERP units. The COE (Certificate of Entitlement) system makes car ownership extremely expensive, but this does not affect rental vehicles.
Zero Tolerance Laws
Blood alcohol limit is 0.08% but enforcement is severe. First-time drunk driving offenders face fines of SGD 2,000–10,000 and up to 12 months in jail. Drug offenses carry mandatory death penalty. Singapore takes traffic violations extremely seriously.
Speed Limits & Cameras
Expressways: 80–90 km/h. Arterial roads: 60–70 km/h. Residential: 40–50 km/h. Speed cameras are ubiquitous. Fines start at SGD 150 for exceeding by 1–20 km/h and escalate rapidly with potential license suspension.
Renting a Car in Singapore
Car rental in Singapore is straightforward but relatively expensive due to the COE system and limited car ownership.
Required Documents
IDP (recommended), original license, passport, and credit card. Minimum age is 23 with at least 2 years of driving experience. Under-25 surcharges may apply at some agencies.
Typical Costs
Compact cars from SGD 80–150/day. Full insurance adds SGD 20–40/day. Fuel costs approximately SGD 2.80–3.20/liter. Parking in the CBD is expensive at SGD 3–6/hour.
Top Rental Companies
Hertz — Available at Changi Airport with IDP enforcement. Avis — Good fleet selection, city and airport locations. Hawk — Local agency with competitive daily rates.
“Singapore is incredibly easy to drive around once you get used to left-hand traffic. The roads are immaculate and well-signed. The ERP system is seamless. Having our RoadSeal IDP made the Hertz pickup at Changi a breeze. Just watch those speed cameras — they are everywhere.”
Get Your IDP for Singapore — From $29
Delivered digitally in as little as 2 hours. Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Returning to Singapore? Renew your IDP with 10% loyalty discount →
Singapore IDP FAQ
An IDP is recommended. While some nationalities can drive with their home license for up to 12 months, rental companies typically require an IDP at the counter. Singapore has strict traffic enforcement and proper documentation is essential.
ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) is Singapore's congestion pricing system. Gantries automatically deduct tolls from an in-vehicle unit. Charges vary by time and location, with higher rates during peak hours. Rental cars come equipped with ERP units.
Extremely strict. Speeding fines start at SGD 150 and escalate rapidly. Drunk driving carries mandatory imprisonment for repeat offenders. Using a mobile phone while driving results in fines up to SGD 1,000 and potential imprisonment.