8 motorists arrested for drink-driving

SINGAPORE — Eight motorists were arrested early yesterday morning during an islandwide operation against drink-driving, the Traffic Police said.

Those arrested were aged between 26 and 56, and were among the 26 drivers stopped and tested at various locations. The highest Breath Evidential Analyser test result was 69mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, which is almost twice the prescribed legal limit of 35mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

During the operation, the Traffic Police deployed its new Mobile Breath Evidential Analyser test centre, which allows them to capture specific breath-alcohol readings on the spot if a motorist fails the handheld breathalyser test.

Before the mobile test centre was rolled out in November last year, suspects had to be taken to the Traffic Police headquarters or police divisions to undergo the detailed test.

First-time drink-driving offenders will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months and up to 48 months, upon conviction. In addition, they can be fined between S$1,000 and S$5,000.

Repeat offenders may be punished with a maximum fine of S$30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. They may also receive up to six strokes of the cane, should death or serious injury be caused.