SINGAPORE – The penalty for motorists who have been caught more than once for idle vehicle engines will be increased from $70 to $100 starting June 1.
Those who do not pay their fine will face a court fine of $5,000 upon conviction.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement that the move will serve as a stronger deterrence against idling vehicle engine.
The higher penalty for repeat offenders is being imposed following an upward trend of idling vehicle engine offences, the authority added. Between 2013 and 2015, the number of cases grew from about 3,200 in 2013 to 3,800 in 2014. In 2015, this number rose drastically to 5,100.
During the first three months of 2016, a total of 1,489 errant motorists were caught for idling engine offences.
In Singapore, it is an offence to leave the engine of a motor vehicle running when it is stationary.
The regulations apply to all types of motor vehicles, except vehicles that require their engines to be switched on for operation of on-board machinery; taxis and buses in a queue at their designated stops; vehicles that are used for law enforcement or emergency purposes; and vehicles undergoing inspection or maintenance.
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