An offence not to swop info after an accident

Police would like to inform that under Sections 84(1) and 84(2) of the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 276, any driver involved in an accident is required to stop and provide his particulars to the other party. If he does not do so, he is required to report the accident at a police station or to a police officer within 24 hours of the accident.

A first-time offender, on conviction, may be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to three months. On a second or subsequent offence, the offender may be fined up to $2,000 or jailed up to six months.

Under the Non-injury Accident Reporting Scheme introduced in 1999, there is no need to lodge a police report unless the accident involves a police or foreign vehicle, a pedestrian or cyclist, or is a hit-and-run. Instead, the accident parties should exchange particulars and lodge a Singapore Accident Statement with their respective insurance company.

However, should the other party refuse to cooperate, police would advise the motoring public to avoid confronting the other party, and instead furnish the other party's vehicle number to their insurance company.

If a traffic violation is suspected, including failing to provide particulars and/or to report the accident, the insurance company would refer the matter to Traffic Police for investigation.