Do Cars Need to Get Out on the Highway

PART IV

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

45.  Before you drive any motor vehicle on the road for which a driving licence is required, you must have a valid driving licence authorising you to drive that motor vehicle, and be covered by valid insurance in respect of that motor vehicle.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

46.  Before you move off, look around, even though you may have looked in your mirror, to see that no one is about to overtake you. Give the proper signal before moving off, and only move off when you can do so safely and without inconvenience to other road users. Give way to passing and overtaking vehicles.

47.  Do not exceed legal speed limits. Always obey the "Reduce Speed Now" sign.

48.  Adjust your speed to the conditions of the road on which you are travelling. Such adjustment will enable you to stop in any emergency without skidding or losing control.

49.  A good driver automatically reduces his speed when —

(a)	entering a built-up area;
(b)	approaching a school or a bus with children alighting or boarding;
(c)	travelling on narrow, winding roads;
(d)	approaching children who are playing; or
(e)	approaching a bend, brow of a hill, or any other obstruction that limits his view.

49A.  Do not drive, stop or park your motor vehicle on a bicycle lane at all times.

[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

50.  When driving along, do not hog the middle of the road. Keep well to the left and as near as practicable to the edge of the road (including on dual carriageways) unless ––

(a)	you intend to overtake;
(b)	you intend to turn right; or
(c)	there is a bicycle lane, in which case, you should keep to the left-most vehicle lane. [S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]

51.  You must not cross the centre line at bends, near the crest of a rise or anywhere else where you cannot clearly see the road ahead.

52.  Where continuous double white lines are painted on a road to separate traffic flowing in opposite directions, you may not overtake at the double white lines unless you keep entirely to the left of such lines.

53.  Never cross double white lines. Making a U-turn or a right turn is not allowed on a road where such lines are painted.

54.  Never cross a single continuous or broken white line along the middle of the road unless you can see that the road ahead is clear.

55.  You must obey the directions indicated by arrows or words marked in the lanes. See illustration above. You must not change lanes so suddenly as to inconvenience or endanger other traffic. Signal early before changing lanes and plan your route well.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

56.  In traffic hold-ups, do not "jump the queue".

57.  Well before you reach a junction, make sure that you are in the appropriate lane.

58.  On a two-lane carriageway, keep to the left-hand lane except when overtaking.

59.  On a three-lane carriageway, you may keep to the central lane when the left-hand lane is occupied by slower moving vehicles. The outer (right-hand) lane is for overtaking only; do not stay in it longer than necessary after overtaking vehicles in the centre lane.

60.  Never overtake unless you can do so without danger to yourself or others. Be specially careful at night, and in heavy rain and mist, as it is more difficult to judge speed and distance at such times.

61.  This rule does not apply —

(a)	when the driver in front has signalled his intention to turn right, in which case you can overtake him on his left;
(b)	when you are filtering to the left before a junction; or
(c)	when there is slow-moving congested traffic and the vehicles on your right are moving more slowly than your vehicle.

62.  Return to the appropriate lane on the road as soon as practicable after overtaking, but do not cut in sharply in front of the vehicle you have just overtaken.

63.  Do not overtake when you are at, or when you are approaching —

(a)	a pedestrian crossing;
(b)	a road junction;
(c)	a corner or bend;
(d)	the brow of a hill; or
(e)	a double white line.

64.  Do not overtake —

(a)	where the road narrows;
(b)	if it would force another vehicle to swerve or reduce speed; or
(c)	if in doubt.

65.  When being overtaken, never increase speed to prevent another driver from passing.

66.  Do not make a U-turn at any road intersection, junction or any opening in a road divider unless permitted to do so by a traffic sign.

67.  To be able to adjust your speed so that you can stop within the space between you and the vehicle in front, you must allow at least one car length for every 16 km/h of your speed.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

68.  Watch for the stop light on the car in front and the traffic ahead of the car in front.

Speed and Stopping Distances

69.  Be aware that the stopping distance of a moving vehicle consists of the distance travelled by the vehicle when a driver reacts, and the braking distance of the vehicle.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

69A.  When approaching a junction, you must observe the following:

70.  When approaching a junction with a major road, slow down gradually and give way to traffic on the major road. Where there is a "STOP" sign, stop at the major road.

71.  Where there are no traffic lights, give way signs or stop signs, give way to all traffic on your right, including cyclists. See illustrations in paragraph 69A.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

72.  At a junction look right, then left, then right again. Do not move off until you are sure that it is safe to do so.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

73.  Well before you turn right at a junction, take full account of the position and movement of traffic behind you. Signal your intention early, and drive cautiously towards the centre of the junction. Give way to approaching vehicles and crossing pedestrians adjacent to you. Wait until it is safe to cross or wait for the green arrow signal to appear. Turn swiftly to the correct lane, keeping a look-out for pedestrians crossing at the junction.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

74.  If you intend to turn left, keep to the left, signal in good time, and do not swing out to the right either before or after making the turn.

75.  When turning left or right, drivers must always give way to vehicles going straight on and to pedestrians.

76.  Slow down when approaching a roundabout, and give way to traffic on your right.

Remember — you must always give way to traffic approaching from your right. The general rule is that —

traffic from Lane A in this illustration goes to 'A';

traffic from Lane B goes to 'B'; and

traffic from Lane C goes to 'C'.

If, however, you find your correct lane overcrowded, you may use another lane to reach your destination: Provided that —

(a)	you give clear signals showing your intention in good time;
(b)	you obey the right-hand rule;
(c)	you do not inconvenience other drivers;
(d)	you use your mirror intelligently to see that you do not obstruct the path of vehicles behind you.

Safety of Pedestrians, Pedal Cyclists, etc.

77.  Pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs have the right of way on pedestrian crossings.

[S 244/2019 wef 01/02/2019]

78.  When approaching a pedestrian crossing slow down and do not overtake other vehicles.

79.  When approaching a pedestrian crossing always —

(a)	be ready to slow down or stop so as to give way to pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs; [S 244/2019 wef 01/02/2019]
(b)	signal to other drivers your intention to slow down or stop; and
(c)	allow yourself more time to stop when road is wet.

80.  At a pedestrian crossing controlled by light signals or by a policeman, give way to pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs who are crossing when the signal to stop is given.

[S 244/2019 wef 01/02/2019]

81.  When a school patrol sign is extended at a pedestrian crossing, vehicles travelling in both directions must stop and remain stationary until the whole crossing is clear and the sign has been removed.

82.  Watch for the pedestrian, pedal cyclist, rider of a power-assisted bicycle or personal mobility device, or driver of a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair who comes out suddenly from behind stationary vehicles and other obstructions. Be very careful near schools and bus stops. When turning at a road junction, give way to pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs who are crossing.

[S 244/2019 wef 01/02/2019]

83.  When driving (especially on any road without a path beside it) —

(a)	watch out for pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power‑assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs, regardless of whether they are allowed on the road;
(b)	keep a safe distance when driving behind them; and
(c)	allow a margin of safety when passing them. [S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

84.  Before you reverse make sure that there are no children or other pedestrians or obstructions in the blind area behind you.

85.  Do not reverse from a side road onto a main road.

86.  If your view to the rear is restricted, get help when reversing.

87.  Keep a watch on the traffic behind you by checking your mirror every 5 to 10 seconds while driving along.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

88.  Well before you change direction, overtake or stop —

(a)	look into your mirror (if you are a motor-cyclist glance to the side or behind);
(b)	make sure that it is safe; and
(c)	give a clear signal to indicate that you intend to do so.

89.  Everytime you intend to turn, stop or slow down, give the correct signal. Signal in good time and maintain the signal long enough to enable others to anticipate your movement. Make sure that your direction indicator gives the signal intended, and that it is cancelled immediately after use.

90.  Hand signals are given not only for the benefit of following traffic but also for oncoming traffic, traffic waiting in side streets and pedestrians. Most cars today have signalling devices but in broad daylight hand signalling is more readily seen and understood. Do not allow passengers to give hand signals. See that children do not hold their arms or dangle toys out of the windows of the car, for their arms or toys may be mistaken for hand signals. It is also dangerous for children to do this.

91.  Do not park (which means to bring a motor vehicle to a stationary position and cause it to wait for any purpose) or let your vehicle stand —

(a)	at a bend, the brow of a hill or a bridge;
(b)	on a footway or cycle track;
(c)	near traffic lights or pedestrian crossings;
(d)	on a main road or on a road carrying fast-moving traffic;
(e)	opposite or nearly opposite another stationary vehicle across the road, opposite a refuge or other obstruction (e.g. road repairs);
(f)	abreast of another vehicle;
(g)	opposite a continuous white line, double white lines or any other traffic sign prohibiting parking;
(h)	near any road side on which a single yellow line (from 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.) or double yellow lines are painted;
(i)	within — (i) 6 metres (20 feet) of an intersection or a junction of any road or street; (ii) 9 metres (30 feet) on either side of a bus stop; or (iii) 3 metres (10 feet) on either side of a fire hydrant; [S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
(ia)	where it will obscure a traffic sign or obstruct any entrance; [S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
(j)	facing oncoming traffic;
(k)	on any slip road or filter lane;
(l)	on a fly-over, underpass or the ramps leading to any fly-over or underpass;
(m)	on the grass verge of a road;
(n)	in any bus lane; or
(o)	at any designated taxi stop.

92.  Before opening the door of a vehicle make sure that it will not endanger or inconvenience anybody on the road or footpath. Get out on the side nearest to the kerb whenever it is possible.

93.  When you have to stop, pull in as close as possible to the edge of the road. This applies especially to drivers of buses when setting down or picking up passengers.

94.  Do remember that you are not allowed to leave any broken-down or wrecked vehicle on any public road. If your vehicle breaks down on the road, push it into a break down bay if there is one, otherwise push it as close to the side of the road as possible and arrange for it to be towed away immediately so as not to cause obstruction to the free flow of traffic.

95.  You must drive with your headlights on at night (between 7.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m. the following day).

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

96.  Use dipped headlights at night in built-up areas where the street lighting is poor, or during rainy weather.

97.  On unlit or dimly lit roads always use your headlights. When meeting other vehicles and cyclists, dip your headlights. If you are dazzled by the lights of another vehicle, slow down and stop if necessary.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

98.  When driving behind another vehicle, dip your headlights.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

99.  In daytime whenever visibility is poor or if it is raining switch on your lights. This will enable other road users to see you.

100.  It is advisable when parking in unlit or poorly lit roads at night to leave your side or parking lights on.

101.  Drivers of large vehicles must always —

(a)	keep such vehicles to the road or vehicle speed limit (whichever is lower); and
(b)	travel on the extreme left lane of the road (except for bus lanes during their operating hours) to allow faster vehicles to overtake on the right. [S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

102.  Any goods vehicle which has an open deck for the carriage of goods and is to be used to carry any person on the floor of the vehicle must comply with the applicable requirements in the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Construction and Use) Rules (R 9). Persons carried in a goods vehicle with an open deck for the carriage of goods must be seated in accordance with the Road Traffic (Carriage of Persons in Goods Vehicles) Rules 2010 (G.N. No. S 663/2010).

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

103.  All vehicles must be properly maintained to minimise the emission of smoke.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

104.  All vehicles must be properly maintained to eliminate excessive noise.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

105.  For safety, you must maintain your vehicle in a roadworthy condition. This includes the following:

All vehicles are to be fitted with tyres of a suitable size and design. Keep your tyres up to the correct pressure. Tyres that have worn out must be replaced. Worn out or bald tyres cause skids when you brake hard in an emergency, whether the road is wet or dry.

Check your brakes regularly to ensure that they are in a good condition. Any leakage of brake fluid must be attended to without delay.

The steering assembly of your car must be regularly checked, properly adjusted and kept in good condition.

Check all your lights, including parking lights and signalling lights, to make sure that they are working properly.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

106.  Sounding your horn when driving is unnecessary, except to warn other road users to avoid an imminent accident or during an emergency. Horns used must not produce an unduly harsh, shrill, loud or multi‑tone sound.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

107.  You must give way upon hearing the emergency siren of any motor vehicle used for ambulance, fire brigade, military, police, customs or civil defence purposes (called in this paragraph an emergency vehicle) or seeing the flashing lights of such a vehicle. In addition, you must observe the following:

(a)	Stay calm and check the direction of the oncoming emergency vehicle.
(b)	Give way by signalling early and filter towards the left if it is safe to do so. Do not wait until the last minute to do so.
(c)	If you are unable to filter to the left safely, slow down to let the emergency vehicle overtake you.
(d)	Do not speed up to block an overtaking emergency vehicle or try to overtake or tailgate an emergency vehicle as this can put yourself and other road users in danger.
(e)	Do not break the law to give way to an emergency vehicle (e.g. by driving through a red light). [S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

108.  Drivers must not be distracted while driving. Do not use any mobile communication device or turn your head to talk with your passengers while driving. Children and pets must not be allowed to obstruct or distract the driver.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

109.  Reduce your speed when driving past animals, and give them plenty of room. Stop if necessary or if signalled to do so.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

110.  Always slow down when approaching any traffic lights and be prepared to stop when the traffic light turns amber or red.

[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]

Do Cars Need to Get Out on the Highway

Source: https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/RTA1961-R11?ProvIds=P1IV-

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