8 Bizarre Singapore Laws That Will Land You A Fine

The sunny island of Singapore is well-known for being a real fine city. Well, if you read between the lines you will probably realize that the word ‘fine’ is more than meets the eye. Fine describes how Singapore is attractive with all her exquisite flora and fauna. However, it also refers to all the fines and penalties passed out if we bend the rules.

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But this shouldn’t intimidate you if you are considerate enough! Don’t let some of these absurd laws stop you from making a trip to Singapore. In addition to the many beautiful attractions in the island state, it has many exotic food flavors from various cultures as well.

We have compiled a list of absurd laws that Singapore observes.

1. Selling Gum

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Yes, you read that correctly. Selling gum in Singapore is as bad as selling drugs in some other countries. For first time offenders, you get a penalty of SGD$100,000 and a jail sentence of up to 2 years. Chewing gum is allowed. However, the transaction for gum is not allowed. And did I not mention that there is an extra SGD$700 penalty for spitting gum in public as well?

2. Spitting In Public

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Speaking of spitting in public, besides gum, spitting anything at all in public areas will result in a penalty of up to SGD$1000. Let’s just keep it in until we get home or go to the washroom instead?

3. Jaywalking

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Jaywalking refers to the act of unlawfully crossing or walking on the road without any regards to oncoming traffic. Thinking of dashing across the street to catch the bus? Well, think again. Jaywalkers can get a hefty fine of up to SGD$1000 or 3 months of jail time.

4. Littering

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If you have yet to notice, Singapore is known for its impeccable cleanliness and litter-free sidewalks. This state of purity doesn’t just happen overnight. The island maintains its sparkling clean reputation by enforcing strict rules to adhere. First-time litter offenders will face a minimum fine of SGD$300 and can go up to SGD$1000 depending on the size of the litter. Repeat offenders can land themselves in community service known as Corrective Work Order (CWO) where clean-up for an area is assigned.

5. Smoking In Public

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Did you know that you can get yourself in trouble if you happen to smoke in the wrong place in Singapore? Smoking is not allowed in most public areas. These areas include food courts, shopping malls, and fitness centers. Specific areas are designed for people who want to smoke in public. So, as a rule of thumb, try to avoid smoking in indoor spaces. Offenders can get an SGD$200 penalty if they are caught red-handed.

6. Not Flushing The Toilet In Public Washrooms

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We usually consider flushing the toilet after every use as a basic courtesy in most cases. However, in Singapore, failure to flush the toilet after use will result in an SGD$150 penalty on the spot. Just remember to keep the toilets clean, and you will be out of trouble.

7. Urinating In Elevators

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Don’t even get started on doing your business out in the open. Number 7 on this list is urinating in elevators. If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, what happens next is even more bizarre. The urine odor will trigger an alarm in the public elevators equipped with Urine Detection Devices (UDD) which will lock the doors automatically. And you will not be able to leave until the police arrive. When you gotta go, you gotta go.

8. Walking Around The House In The Nude

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While many people deem their home to be their absolute comfort zone, parading in your birthday suit at home in Singapore can get you in trouble too. If you don’t draw the curtains, and you are visible to the public, walking around naked in your own house get land you a fine of up to SGD$2000 or a jail sentence of 3 months. So, be sure to grab a towel before you head for a shower the next time round.

Helen Hatzis
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