New Motorist Demerit Points System Starting 2027

Demerit Threshold Reductions and Immediate Suspensions

Under the revised Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS) announced on July 31, the threshold for probationary motorists during their 12-month probation drops from 13 points to 12 points, according to police records. The changes allow the Traffic Police to suspend irresponsible motorists faster and keep them off the roads longer.

With the new 18-point ceiling for non-probationary drivers, specific serious violations trigger instant bans. According to the Traffic Police, a motorist who beats a red light worth 12 points while simultaneously speeding worth six points faces immediate suspension under the 18-point limit. For probationary drivers, beating a red light or holding and using a mobile phone while driving—each valued at 12 points—results in an immediate licence revocation.

Tighter Suspension Durations and Retraining Rules

Suspension lengths will increase across the board beginning in 2027. According to the police, first-time suspensions jump from 12 weeks to four months. Second-time suspensions increase from 24 weeks to six months, while third-time suspensions last two years. Any subsequent suspensions will last five years each.

Access to the voluntary 1½-day DIPS retraining course will also narrow. Currently available to motorists suspended up to twice, the course will be restricted exclusively to first-time suspensions from 2027 onward, according to official updates. Upon completion, a first-time offender’s suspension period drops from four months to six weeks. Motorists who receive a suspension of at least a year must lose their licence entirely and retake their driving tests. Meanwhile, the Safe Driving Course—which allows eligible drivers to expunge four points—will be discontinued in 2027 due to a low take-up rate of just 15 percent as of 2025, with eligible drivers required to finish current offers by December 31.

One-Time Points Deduction and Livelihood Protections

To ease the transition into the stricter framework, authorities announced a one-time points deduction for traffic violations committed prior to 2027. According to Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann, non-probationary motorists will have up to six demerit points waived, while probationary drivers will receive a one-point waiver.

Sim Ann stated that the one-time adjustment was introduced after vocational drivers and transport union leaders raised concerns about potential impacts on livelihoods. She emphasized that the measure protects motorists from suspension or revocation under the new rules. Fines remain completely unaffected by these changes and must still be paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the new demerit point thresholds take effect?

According to the police, the revised 18-point limit and associated regulatory changes take effect on January 1, 2027.

Can I save unused points waivers for future traffic offences?

No. According to official guidelines, the one-time points deduction applies strictly to violations committed before 2027 and unused deductions cannot be carried forward.

Will my past clean driving records still count toward insurance discounts?

Yes. According to the police, existing incentives—including insurance discounts via a Certificate of Merit for drivers maintaining zero demerit points for a continuous period of at least three years—remain intact.