Driving myths have been around since the automobile was invented.
But like all myths, they are untrue. That, however, hasn’t stopped numerous motorists from believing in them.
Here are 8 uniquely Singaporean driving myths you must never accept!
Driving Myth #1: Road hogging isn’t an offence.
This is categorically false. In fact, road hogging carries a fine of $1000 and/or a jail term of three months and four demerit points for the first offence.
If there is a vehicle travelling at a higher speed than you, move to the lane on your left. Better yet, just stick to the middle lane.
Remember, the rightmost lane is only reserved for overtaking.
Driving Myth #2: Drink-driving only means driving while intoxicated.
Wrong. As long as you’re sitting in the driver’s seat of a car, you can still be punished.
The offence here is “being in charge of a vehicle while intoxicated”.
The odds are really stacked against you in this scenario. You will need definite proof that you did not operate the car. You must also prove that you have no intention of doing so.
Leave your car at home if you know you’ll be drinking. If you did drive, just take a cab or private-hire vehicle home. Don’t get into your car to attempt to “sleep it off”.
Driving Myth #3: Your rear passengers don’t have to wear their seat belts.
No. Any passengers who do not buckle up while travelling in a car can be fined $120.
Repeat offenders can be fined up to $2000 or imprisoned for up to six months. Put on your seat belt, stay safe and stay out of jail!
Driving Myth #4: Using your phone at a petrol kiosk will cause an explosion.
Microwaves emitted from mobile phones could possibly generate a spark. However, the waves emitted from phones in normal circumstances are far too weak to create an explosion.
Igniting a lighter or smoking a cigarette are of course still not allowed.
Driving Myth #5: Expensive high-octane petrol is best.
A statement like this always causes an argument. But we must state this again for the umpteenth time. High-octane petrol is not necessarily the best for your car.
The best grade of petrol is what your manufacturer recommends. Even a petrol company executive we interviewed said the same thing
If the manual says 92 RON, go for that. Most modern cars only require 95 RON.
Only high-performance vehicles require high-octane fuel. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual.
Driving Myth #6: Shaking your car while pumping petrol lets you fit more.
Does shaking your water bottle while you fill it let you cram more liquid in? No. The space is finite.
You aren’t trying to fill a bag with potato chips. If you are, then shaking the bag would allow the contents to settle and free up space.
Those who shake or jump on their car may claim that they are “popping the bubbles”. If you are really concerned about bubbles, pump your fuel slower.
Otherwise, you are just wearing out your suspension. You’re also making a fool of yourself and making other Singaporeans look stupid.
Driving Myth #7: Unless stated, the speed limit is 60km/h.
Wrong. According to traffic regulations, unless stated, the speed limit on Singapore roads is 50km/h.
A 10km/h difference is not “negligible”. It can mean the difference between a suspended licence and 18 demerit points.
More than 100 of the EV charging points will be of the direct current type, with a 50 kilowatt power rating that can fully charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes.
Driving Myth #8: Landed property is a prerequisite to owning an electric car.
Nope. Although it would be convenient, you don’t need to stay in landed property to own an EV.
BlueSG has opened many of its charging points to motorists. And utilities provider SP Group is aiming to have 1000 charging points ready by this year.
