Highway Code

Source: Singapore Statutes Online | Archived by Legal Wires


Road Traffic Act
(CHAPTER 276, Section 112)
Highway Code
R 11
G.N. No. S 8/1975

REVISED EDITION 1990
(25th March 1992)
[17th January 1975]
PART I
All Road Users
1.  The Highway Code is a code of conduct and not a digest of traffic laws. It lays stress on the responsibilities of road users towards each other.
2.  [Deleted by S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
3.  Road traffic requires the co-operation of all road users for its smooth and efficient operation. This Highway Code tells you how you can co-operate with other road users in reducing the number of accidents.
4.  Always be considerate, courteous, vigilant and sober. Remember that alcohol reduces the alertness of the driver and often the sense of caution. Other road users too must always be sober, particularly cyclists and pedestrians. Many fatal accidents are caused by negligence, lack of consideration for others and the influence of alcohol.
5.  Study and understand the traffic signals and traffic signs set out in this Code and the Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Rules (R 33), and use them or obey them, as the case may be.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
6.  Read this Highway Code, study it and understand it, and then pass on your knowledge to others, especially to children.
PART II
Road users on foot
Walking along the road
7.  If there is no footpath and you have to walk along the road, then walk as close as possible to the edge of the road. Avoid using any mobile communication device while walking along the road.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
8.  If you walk on an unlit or dimly lit road at night, always wear or carry something light-coloured or reflective. This will help to make you more visible to motorists.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
9.  [Deleted by S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
Crossing the road
10.  Where a pedestrian crossing is available, always use the pedestrian crossing to cross the road. Where a pedestrian crossing is not available, always cross the road by the shortest possible route, which is from one side to the other. Do not risk death or injury by trying to cross at other places in heavy traffic. You must also obey the traffic signs and traffic lights.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
10A.  While crossing any road, make sure you have a clear view of the road both ways. Take extra care if your view is limited by stationary vehicles or other obstruction. Before crossing, practise the kerb drill for crossing the road mentioned in paragraph 13.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
10B.  Avoid using any mobile communication device while crossing any road.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
11.  Before you risk crossing the road in front of an approaching motor vehicle remember that although you could stop almost immediately, a motor vehicle would have to travel a considerable distance before it stops. Be aware that the stopping distance of a moving vehicle varies with the speed of the vehicle, the distance travelled by the vehicle when a driver reacts, and the braking distance of the vehicle (refer to paragraph 69).
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
12.  In rainy weather do not rush across the street with your head down, or with an umbrella obscuring your view.
13.  Teach children the kerb drill for crossing the road, which is “look right, look left, then look right again, and if the road is clear, quick march”.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
14.  Do not follow other pedestrians blindly without yourself checking that it is safe to cross.
Pedestrian crossings
15.  Do not step onto a pedestrian crossing until approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop. When crossing at a pedestrian crossing, be alert for vehicles being driven inconsiderately and without care or attention. If possible, make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they are aware of your presence.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
16.  Take extra care at night. Remember that unless a pedestrian crossing is floodlit, it may not show up very clearly. On rainy nights the markings may be almost invisible to an approaching driver.
17.  When you have stepped off the kerb on to a pedestrian crossing you have the right of way but allow approaching vehicles ample time to give way, especially if the road is wet.
18.  Do not stand on the pavement at a pedestrian crossing if you do not intend to cross the road.
19.  Once you are on the pedestrian crossing, look right and left as you cross, because a driver may not have seen you.
20.  Where a pedestrian crossing has a central refuge, each half is a separate crossing and you should treat it as such.
20A.  If there is a choice between using a bicycle crossing or a pedestrian crossing to cross a road, use the pedestrian crossing.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
Crossing the Road at Junction
21.  When crossing the road at junctions, look out for vehicles negotiating the corner.
Signal Controlled Crossings
22.  At a light controlled crossing, wait on the footway until the traffic, in front of which you intend to cross, has come to a standstill.
23.  If traffic lights have a “green man” signal, do not cross until the signal appears. If possible, make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they are aware of your presence.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
24.  Pedestrian signals portray ‘a standing red man’ and a ‘walking green man’.
(1)  When the ‘walking green man’ is lighted up, you may cross.
(2)  When the ‘walking green man’ starts flickering, it means that the light will change soon, so —
(a)if you are already crossing, move briskly across; or
(b)if you are about to start crossing, do not cross.
(3)  When the ‘stationary red man’ is lighted up, do not cross.
25.  When push-buttons are provided on the traffic signal pole, push the button if you want the ‘green man’ to appear and wait until the ‘green man’ appears before crossing.
Police-controlled Crossings
26.  Do not cross the road against a signal to stop given by a police officer controlling traffic.
Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses
27.  Where there is a pedestrian overpass or an underpass, you must make use of it. Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses are built for your safety and must always be used when crossing the road.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
Getting on or off Public Vehicles
28.  Do not get on or off a bus while it is moving, or when it is not at a bus stop. Do not step out suddenly from behind a stationary or slowly moving bus. If you want to get on a bus at a bus stop, give a clear signal for it to stop. Do not step onto the road until it has stopped.
PART III
Pedal cyclists, recumbent device riders and power-assisted bicycle riders
[S 656/2024 wef 01/03/2024]
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
When Riding
29.  Always ride on the left-hand edge of a roadway. Allow other traffic to overtake you safely. Keep a straight course and avoid sudden swerves.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
30.  If a road has a full-day bicycle lane or part-day bicycle lane, cycle on the full-day bicycle lane or part-day bicycle lane (during its operating hours) and no other part of the road, except when that bicycle lane is blocked or obstructed, or making a U-turn or right turn.
[S 2856/2022 wef 16/10/2022]
31.  Ride in a single file when possible.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
32.  Do not swerve in and out of vehicles in traffic. When traffic is slow, keep your place and do not attempt to get in front of the other vehicles by weaving in and out of the narrow spaces between them.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
33.  Keep a safe distance from the rear of a motor vehicle (especially when riding behind a moving vehicle) so as to avoid collision if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
34.  When riding, maintain awareness of traffic.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
35.  Slow down and look out for other road users when approaching road accesses, bends, junctions, and crossings, or when passing a parked motor vehicle. When passing a parked motor vehicle, beware of the vehicle door opening. Allow a margin of safety when passing.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
35A.  Do not squeeze between a bus at a bus stop and the bus stop kerb.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
35B.  Avoid staying close to the rear of a turning motor vehicle or squeezing between the turning vehicle and the road kerb.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
36.  If a hill is so steep that the bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device you are riding on wobbles before you reach the top, get off and walk with the bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device. Keep your cycling speed under control on downhill roads. If you travel too fast, you will not be able to stop in time in an emergency.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
[S 656/2024 wef 01/03/2024]
37.  Do not hold on to the back or side of motor vehicles.
Roadworthiness
38.  Check that your bicycle’s, three-wheeled pedal cycle’s or recumbent device’s front and back lights, brakes, tyres and chain are in safe working condition before setting off. Check the height of the bicycle’s, three-wheeled pedal cycle’s or recumbent device’s handlebars and seat. If you are unable to touch the ground with your foot on either side of the bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device, your seat is too high and you will not have full control of the bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device when coming to a sudden stop in an emergency.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
[S 656/2024 wef 01/03/2024]
General
39.  You must switch on your bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device lights at night or when visibility is low. Your bicycle’s, three-wheeled pedal cycle’s or recumbent device’s front light must show a white light, and the rear of your bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device must display a red light or be affixed with a red reflector. The front white light and the rear red light or rear red reflector (as the case may be) must be visible from a reasonable distance. If you ride at night, wear light-coloured clothing. This will help drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians to see you clearly.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
[S 656/2024 wef 01/03/2024]
40.  Keep both hands on the handlebars of your bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device. When signalling your intention to change direction or make a turn, do so ahead of time and return your hand to the handlebars, before you actually start to turn.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
[S 656/2024 wef 01/03/2024]
41.  Do not carry anything in your arm that may interfere with the proper control of your bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device.
[S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
[S 656/2024 wef 01/03/2024]
42.  [Deleted by S 1217/2018 wef 05/05/2018]
43.  Always use the safest route, and keep out of heavy traffic as much as possible.
44.  Always obey the law and observe all traffic rules. Never ignore road signs.
PART IIIA
USE OF CROSSINGS, AND USE OF PERSONAL
MOBILITY DEVICES, ETC.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
Use of crossings by pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, etc.
44A.  Pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs must use a bicycle crossing, if there is a choice between using a bicycle crossing or a pedestrian crossing.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
Crossing speed
44B.  Pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs should only cross a pedestrian crossing, bicycle crossing, zebra crossing or informal crossing, or the entrance or exit to a car park, at walking speed.
Use of personal mobility devices, mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs
44C.  Do not ride a personal mobility device (other than a three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device), or drive a mobility scooter or a motorised wheelchair, on any road.
[S 3173/2019 wef 01/12/2019]
[S 656/2024 wef 01/03/2024]
 

Archived for legal research. Authoritative version at sso.agc.gov.sg.