2,577 drink drivers caught so far this year by police
Posted: 06 September 2008 2304 hrs

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SINGAPORE: 2,577 drink drivers have been caught so far this year. Of these, 10 were arrested in an island-wide operation on Friday night.

Road blocks were set up from midnight in areas like Newton, Bukit Timah, Church Street and Chinatown areas to ring fence the cluster of entertainment outlets and drinking haunts in the vicinity.

Of the 68 who had to take breathalyser tests in the operation, 10 failed and were arrested. They were all men aged between 22 and 51.

The police remind the public that even if a driver's alcohol content in his blood or breath does not go beyond the legal limit, he can still be charged for drink driving if he is unable to control his vehicle properly.

Upon conviction, drink drivers will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months.

In addition, first-time offenders can be fined between S$1,000 and S$5,000 or jailed up to six months.

Repeat offenders may be slapped with a maximum fine of S$30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. - CNA/vm