Singapore BTT key terms

A penalty scheme where traffic offences carry points; accumulating 24 points within 24 months suspends a full licence, while a probationary driver's licence is revoked at 13 points within 12 months.

A learner's permit issued in Singapore, valid for six months, that must be carried while driving; the learner must be accompanied by a qualified instructor and display L-plates.

The maximum permitted alcohol level for drivers: 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, or 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood.

A requirement to slow down and, if necessary, stop at a give way line to let traffic on the major road, and any pedestrians, pass before you proceed.

A manoeuvre that turns a vehicle around to face the opposite direction; in Singapore it is allowed only where a U-turn sign permits and where no double white line would be crossed.

Passing another moving vehicle travelling in the same direction, normally on the right; it is permitted only when the road is clear and not at pedestrian crossings or junctions.

The maximum legal speed for a stretch of road. In Singapore the default limit is 50 km/h where no sign shows otherwise, with 90 km/h on expressways.

A rule requiring drivers to keep as close to the left edge of the road as practicable unless overtaking, turning right, or avoiding an obstruction.

An approved seat or booster used for children below 1.35 metres in height; all occupants of a vehicle must be properly secured by seat belts or child restraints.

A solid white line across a lane at a junction or stop sign; you must stop before it and not cross it until it is safe to proceed.

A line of double broken white lines across a lane; slow down and give way to traffic on the road you are joining or crossing before proceeding.

Two continuous yellow lines along the road edge meaning no parking at any time, including Sundays and public holidays, so vehicles must not wait there.

A yellow hatched area at a junction where you must not stop; enter only if your exit is clear, except when waiting to turn right against oncoming traffic.

Painted V-shaped or diagonal stripes on the road, often where lanes diverge; they mark areas that vehicles must not enter or drive over.

Lines painted along the road near a pedestrian crossing; parking, stopping and overtaking are prohibited there so that pedestrians and approaching drivers have a clear view.

A red octagonal sign requiring a complete stop at the stop line, after which you may proceed only when the road is clear and you have given way.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar, meaning vehicles must not enter that road or lane from the direction faced.

A triangular sign with a red border that alerts drivers to a hazard ahead, such as a bend, junction, school or slippery road.

A signal at some pedestrian crossings that flashes to warn drivers to slow down and give way to pedestrians before proceeding.

A lane divider made of short white dashes; you may cross it to change lanes or overtake when it is safe to do so.

The area around a vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors; drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes or moving off.

A guide for safe following distance: stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions, and allow more time when the road is wet or visibility is poor.

When tyres lose contact with a wet road because a layer of water builds between them; steering and braking become ineffective, so ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden moves.

Loss of grip between tyres and road, often from braking, steering or accelerating too sharply; ease off the controls and steer gently in the direction you want to go.

A style of driving that anticipates hazards and other road users' mistakes, keeping space and time to react so that a collision can be avoided.

Following another vehicle too closely, which leaves too little time to stop if it brakes suddenly; it is a common cause of rear-end collisions.

The total distance a vehicle travels from when the driver notices a hazard to when it stops, including thinking distance plus braking distance.

Tiredness that slows reactions and judgement; drivers should rest before a trip and stop for a break at the first signs of drowsiness.

Road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who have little protection in a collision; drivers should give them extra space and time.

Driving in rain, when grip is reduced and visibility falls; slow down, increase following distance, use headlights and avoid sudden braking or steering.

Slowing a vehicle by releasing the accelerator and changing to a lower gear, so the engine resists the vehicle's movement; useful on long downhill slopes to avoid brake fade.

A parking brake operated by hand or foot that holds the vehicle when parked; it can also be used as an emergency brake if the footbrake fails.

A pedal that connects and disconnects the engine from the gearbox in a manual car, allowing the driver to change gear and move off smoothly.

The flashing lights on a vehicle that signal an intention to turn or change lanes; they must be used early enough to warn other road users.

A warning device used only to alert other road users to danger; it must not be used to express annoyance or unnecessarily, especially at night in built-up areas.

A manoeuvre to turn the vehicle around within a narrow road using forward and reverse movements; it requires good observation and control of speed.

Extra lights that cut through fog or heavy rain; they should be used only when visibility is seriously reduced, and switched off when conditions improve.

A system that prevents wheels from locking during hard braking, allowing the driver to keep steering; maintain firm pressure and do not pump the pedal.