Singapore Laws: Singapore is known for its strict laws and regulations which are put in place to maintain peace and order in the country. Whether you are an international student planning to study in Singapore or just going there for a trip, it is important to know about list of 21 weird laws in Singapore so that you don’t end up breaking one.
In this blog, we explore 21 weird laws in Singapore that might surprise you and make yourself aware of the rules and regulations of Singapore.
This Blog Includes:
- List of 21 Weird Laws in Singapore
- Importing or Selling the Chewing Gum is Forbidden
- Littering is a Serious Offense
- No Spitting in Public
- Do Not Connect With Someone Else’s Wifi
- Jaywalking is a Crime
- Singing Obscene Songs in Public is Prohibited
- No Alcohol Sales After 10:30 PM
- Smoking is Not Allowed Almost Everywhere in Singapore
- Drug Offenses Carry the Death Penalty
- Refrain from Feeding Any Wildlife
- Singing Obscene Songs in Public is Prohibited
- No Eating or Drinking on Public Transportation
- Refrain from Playing Musical Instruments in Public
- Not Flushing a Public Toilet is Punishable
- Urinating in Elevators Can Get You Caught
- History Behind Singapore’s Strict Regulations
- FAQs On Singapore Laws
List of 21 Weird Laws in Singapore
Singapore is known for its 21 weird laws, which may seem strange to outsiders. The table provided below carries a clear and organized view of 21 Weird Laws in Singapore, making it easier for students to understand the regulations and their implications before they move to city or during their stay:
| Law | Description | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 1. No Chewing Gum | Selling/importing chewing gum (except for medicinal use) is banned. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| 2. No Littering | Littering in public areas can lead to fines and community service. | Fine up to SGD 2,000 |
| 3. No Spitting in Public | Spitting on streets and public spaces is prohibited. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| 4. No Feeding Pigeons | Feeding pigeons in public areas is illegal. | Fine up to SGD 500 |
| 5. Flushing Public Toilets Is Mandatory | Not flushing after use can result in a fine. | Fine of SGD 150 |
| 6. Walking Around Naked in Your Own Home | Being seen naked by others from outside can lead to charges. | Fine up to SGD 2,000 |
| 7. No Offensive Songs in Public | Singing songs with offensive lyrics in public is banned. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| 8. No Eating/Drinking on Public Transport | Consuming food/drinks on buses/trains is prohibited. | Fine up to SGD 500 |
| 9. No Smoking in Public Spaces | Smoking in parks, bus stops, and certain outdoor areas is banned. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| 10. Graffiti Is Considered Vandalism | Graffiti is treated as vandalism with harsh penalties. | Caning + heavy fines |
| 11. No Unauthorized Protests | Public protests require permits from authorities. | Fine up to SGD 5,000 |
| 12. Bicyclists Must Follow Traffic Laws | Cyclists must wear helmets and use bike paths. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| 13. No Jaywalking | Crossing roads outside of designated crossings is illegal. | Fine up to SGD 1,000 |
| 14. No Firecrackers | The sale and use of firecrackers are banned for safety. | Heavy fines |
| 15. Censorship of Media | Films, books, and media deemed inappropriate are censored. | Varies based on offense |
| 16. No Unauthorized Access to Wi-Fi | Using someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission is hacking. | Fine up to SGD 10,000 |
| 17. Regulated Sale of Alcohol | No buying/drinking alcohol in public after 10:30 PM. | Fine up to SGD 2,000 |
| 18. No Cats in HDB Flats | Cats are generally not allowed in public housing. | Warning or fines |
| 19. Homosexual Relations | Section 377A of the Penal Code criminalizes consensual same-sex relations between men, with a possible jail sentence of up to two years. However, it is rarely enforced. | While enforcement is rare, this law remains a subject of debate. |
| 20. Restricted Photography | Photographing government buildings without permission is illegal. | Fine or imprisonment |
| 21. No Urinating in Elevators | Elevators have sensors to detect urine; offenders are fined. | Fine and possible arrest |
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Now, you have an idea of 21 Weird Laws in Singapore. Let’s take an overview of these weird laws in Singapore one by one:
Importing or Selling the Chewing Gum is Forbidden
This is a well-known rule under Singapore Laws that started in 1992. It falls under the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum), which prohibits bringing chewing gum into Singapore. Violating this law can result in a fine of up to SGD 100,000 or imprisonment for up to two years. A repeat offense increases the fine to SGD 200,000, with a possible jail term of up to three years.
Additionally, the Sale of Food (Prohibition of Chewing Gum) Regulations makes it illegal to sell or advertise chewing gum in Singapore. Breaking this rule can lead to a fine of up to SGD 2,000. However, these laws apply only to specific types of chewing gum—oral dental gum is an exception and is permitted.
Littering is a Serious Offense
Littering is strictly prohibited, with first-time offenders facing fines of up to S$1,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to S$5,000 and assigned Corrective Work Orders to clean public areas.
No Spitting in Public
Spitting in public places is illegal, and offenders can be fined up to S$1,000 for the first offense. This law helps maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
Do Not Connect With Someone Else’s Wifi
For business visitors in Singapore, it’s important to know that using someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission is against the Singapore law. This is mentioned in section 6(1)(a) of the Computer Misuse Act 1993. If caught doing this, you could be fined up to SGD 10,000 and go to jail for up to 3 years. If it happens again, the fine goes up to SGD 20,000, and you might be in jail for up to 5 years.
But, if you’re using free Wi-Fi at a local coffee shop, you don’t have to worry too much as the law is only about using Wi-Fi without permission.
Jaywalking is a Crime
Crossing the street outside designated pedestrian crossings can result in fines of up to S$1,000 or a three-month jail term for repeat offenders.
Singing Obscene Songs in Public is Prohibited
Singing or uttering obscene songs and ballads in public is an offense, punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both.
No Alcohol Sales After 10:30 PM
Under the Liquor Control Act, retail shops cannot sell alcohol after 10:30 PM. Public consumption of alcohol is also banned during restricted hours.
Smoking is Not Allowed Almost Everywhere in Singapore
Singapore laws impose strict regulations on smoking, limiting where you can light up. In Singapore, smoking is not allowed in many places, including indoors, on public transport, near bus stops, in public toilets, pools, eating areas, nightclubs, and outdoor spaces like playgrounds, markets, and exercise areas. Even entrances, exits, and parking lots are off-limits!
Drug Offenses Carry the Death Penalty
Singapore enforces a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Possession of certain amounts of controlled substances can result in the death penalty.
According to Singapore laws, the only places you can smoke are in your own home (as long as your neighbors don’t mind) or in designated smoking areas. With such strict Singapore laws on smoking, it might be better to avoid it altogether.
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Refrain from Feeding Any Wildlife
Singapore is often called the ‘Garden City’ because it has many nature reserves and parks. In these tropical places, you will come across many different kinds of animals like long-tailed macaques, saltwater crocodiles, pangolins, otters, and more.
Under Singapore Laws, it is important not to feed any of these animals when you visit. The Wildlife Act from 1965 strictly prohibits feeding wildlife without permission from the Director-General of Wildlife Management. If you’re caught doing so, you might face a fine of up to SGD 5,000 or even more for repeat offenses.
Singing Obscene Songs in Public is Prohibited
Singing or uttering obscene songs and ballads in public is an offense, punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both.
No Eating or Drinking on Public Transportation
A lot of people rely on Singapore’s public transport to get around the city, making it essential to understand this unique rule under Singapore Laws. The 1987 Rapid Transit Systems (RTS) Act prohibits eating or drinking at MRT stations and on MRT trains.
Even plain water is not allowed, which can be challenging during the hot summer months. Violating this Singapore rule can result in a notice of offense and a fine of up to SGD 500, so it’s important for commuters to stay aware and follow the regulations.
Refrain from Playing Musical Instruments in Public
In Singapore, there’s a law called the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, which is part of the broader Singapore Laws. According to this law, you can’t play musical instruments in public if it’s likely to bother or cause inconvenience to others. If someone complains about the noise, the police can come to your place and confiscate the instrument. If you’re found guilty, you might have to pay a fine of up to SGD 1,000 or face a conviction.
Not Flushing a Public Toilet is Punishable
Failing to flush a public toilet after use can lead to a fine of up to S$500. Authorities conduct random checks to enforce this law.
Urinating in Elevators Can Get You Caught
Singapore’s elevators have Urine Detection Devices (UDD) that trigger alarms and lock the doors if urine is detected. Offenders face fines and embarrassment.
History Behind Singapore’s Strict Regulations
After gaining independence in 1965, Singapore faced high crime, unemployment, and poor sanitation. To overcome these challenges, its first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, implemented strict Singapore laws to maintain order and discipline. Zero tolerance for corruption, harsh penalties for crimes like vandalism, and public cleanliness initiatives transformed Singapore into a safe, clean, and prosperous nation.
The chewing gum ban, severe drug laws, and compulsory national service fostered social harmony and economic growth. These strict Singapore laws attracted foreign investment, turning the country into a global economic powerhouse with one of the highest GDPs per capita and a high standard of living today.
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FAQs On Singapore Laws
Some strange laws in Singapore include the chewing gum ban, where chewing gum is illegal except for medicinal use, to keep public spaces clean. Littering is strictly prohibited and can result in fines or community service. Spitting in public is also illegal, ensuring hygiene is maintained. These laws help maintain Singapore’s reputation for cleanliness and orderliness.
Yes, chewing is banned in Singapore as per the 1992 Singapore government Law which outlawed chewing gum.
On behalf of the government, the minister introduces a Bill in the Parliament which goes through 3 readings before receiving the President’s assent to become a law or a rule of parliament.
Some of the things that are prohibited in Singapore are –
-Owning or trading exotic animals
-Chewing gum
-Recreational fireworks
-E-cigarettes
-Public nudity
-Taking durian on public transportation
Tipping is not expected in Singapore instead a service charge will normally be added to your bill.
Some of the popular food items in Singapore are –
-Fish head curry.
-Hokkien prawn mee.
-Laksa
-Hainanese chicken rice.
Graffiti is considered a serious crime in Singapore and falls under the law of vandalism. The government has zero tolerance for any form of defacement of property, including walls and public transportation.
If you get caught chewing gum in Singapore (except for medicinal gum), you can face a fine of up to SGD 1,000. Repeat offenders may face even higher fines or imprisonment. The ban is part of the government’s effort to maintain public cleanliness, particularly on public transport and in public spaces.
Singapore has several strict laws and regulations that residents and visitors must follow. The country enforces stringent drug laws with severe penalties. The importation and sale of chewing gum are prohibited. Additionally, offenses like jaywalking and littering carry strict penalties to maintain cleanliness and order.
Adhere to the local regulations in Singapore by avoiding certain actions. Refrain from chewing gum, as its sale is prohibited. Always use pedestrian crossings instead of jaywalking, and only smoke in designated areas. Littering is strictly forbidden, so ensure proper disposal of waste. Additionally, before ordering Singapore chilli crab, check the price to avoid unexpected charges.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some of the weird Singapore laws and rules. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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