Eco-driving and fuel-saving habits
SPF's driving handbook recommends reducing idling, maintaining the vehicle, driving smoothly, moderating air-conditioning use, and planning journeys to reduce fuel use and emissions.
Primary source: https://www.police.gov.sg/-/media/SPF/Advisories/BTTENG2024.ashx
Eco-driving and fuel-saving habits
Singapore Traffic Police's 2024 Basic Theory of Driving handbook describes eco-driving as handling a vehicle in ways that promote fuel economy and reduce emissions. Its advice covers vehicle maintenance, driving behaviour and route selection. This is practical handbook guidance; it is not a promise of a particular fuel saving for every vehicle or journey (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, paras. 268–270).
Avoid unnecessary idling
When a vehicle is stationary for a reason other than traffic conditions, the handbook advises switching off the engine. It says idling wastes fuel and creates pollution, fumes and noise. It also says a driver need not warm up a modern engine before driving off; the handbook recommends setting off at moderate speeds (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, para. 270(a)).
The driver must stop the engine or other vehicle machinery when the vehicle is stationary for a reason other than traffic conditions. The regulation has an exception where machinery operation is necessary because of a failure or derangement, or for an ancillary purpose. NEA also describes exceptions including engines needed for on-board equipment, vehicles moving in a queue, vehicles undergoing inspection or repair, and enforcement or emergency vehicles. NEA states that a court may impose a fine of up to $2,000 for a first offence and $5,000 for a subsequent offence (Singapore Statutes Online, Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations, regs. 21 and 23; NEA, Air Pollution Regulations).
Maintain the vehicle and carry only what is needed
The handbook recommends regular servicing, checking tyre pressure at least once a month and keeping tyres at their recommended pressure. It says correct inflation reduces drag and can improve fuel economy and reduce pollution. It also advises removing heavy or large items when they are not needed, because carrying excess weight increases fuel consumption and emissions (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, para. 270(b)).
Drive smoothly and plan ahead
For manual vehicles, the handbook recommends using the correct gear. It also recommends maintaining a steady speed, avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking, and leaving a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to reduce last-minute braking and allow smoother acceleration (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, para. 270(c)).
The handbook advises avoiding an air-conditioning temperature setting that is too low and increasing fan speed instead. It also recommends planning a journey before setting off to avoid congestion or getting lost, which it says can save time and fuel and reduce emissions (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, paras. 270(d)–(e)).
Coverage debt
- SPF's 2024 handbook gives a fuel-saving estimate and cites a 2010 OECD report. This article omits the percentage because it is an old estimate and does not establish a result for a particular Singapore driver or vehicle.
- The 2024 handbook states an idling fine of up to $5,000 without separating first and subsequent convictions. NEA's current page gives the current tiers; follow NEA for current penalty information.
- The handbook does not specify an optimal tyre pressure, air-conditioning setting, gear or speed for each vehicle. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and applicable road rules.