Expressway and tunnel rules in Singapore

Legal basis for expressway rules

Road Traffic Act section 114 authorises the Minister to make rules prohibiting or restricting traffic on a “special road,” including different rules for different roads or traffic classes. The Act defines a special road as one specified by rules made under this section; the Expressway Traffic Rules define an expressway as a special road or part of one to which those Rules apply. The Rules may set conditions and exceptions, authorise use in an emergency or to access nearby premises, and allow restrictions to be relaxed (Singapore Statutes Online, Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 114; Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules, rr. 2–3).

OneMotoring lists 14 expressways and tunnels in Singapore, including the North-South Corridor, which is to be completed in phases from 2027. Some expressways include expressway tunnels. Pedestrians are not allowed on expressways or in tunnels. Personal mobility devices (PMDs) are not allowed on roads, and therefore cannot travel on expressways or in tunnels (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

If an incident occurs, the Expressway Monitoring Advisory System (EMAS) recovery crew and LTA traffic marshals are activated to help clear the incident (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

Legal basis for special-road rules

Section 114 of the Road Traffic Act allows the Minister to make rules that prohibit or restrict traffic, or classes of traffic, from using a special road, subject to prescribed conditions or exceptions. Rules may apply across special roads, differ by road or traffic class, or address a particular special road. Rule 3 of the Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules identifies any expressway and any road tunnel as special roads covered by those Rules (Singapore Statutes Online, Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 114; Singapore Statutes Online, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules, r. 3).

Rule 15 provides a conditional exception from the Expressway Traffic Rules for fire engines, authorised ambulances, Singapore Police Force vehicles and LTA vehicles when compliance would likely hinder their use for the purpose for which they are being used. This is not a general exemption for those vehicles in every circumstance (Singapore Statutes Online, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules, r. 15).

Named expressways and tunnels

OneMotoring lists (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels):

Expressway speed limits

Singapore does not have one speed limit that applies to every expressway segment. The Road Traffic (Restriction of Speed on Roads) Notification sets limits for named roads or parts of roads in its schedules; the general limit is 50 km/h in other cases. LTA also tells drivers to follow the speed limit and traffic signs (SSO, Restriction of Speed on Roads Notification para 2; LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

The current schedules give different limits for specific segments. For example, the Second Schedule sets 40 km/h on named sections of Adam Underpass, the Fifth Schedule sets 80 km/h on specified sections including part of the Central Expressway tunnel, and the Sixth Schedule sets 90 km/h on listed expressway sections. Check the current schedule and signs for the road segment you are using; these examples are not a complete speed map (SSO, Second Schedule; SSO, Fifth Schedule; SSO, Sixth Schedule).

Driving on an expressway

LTA advises drivers to plan their route, follow traffic signs, stay in lane, have the stored-value card ready in the IU or OBU, ensure there is enough fuel, secure goods, and keep left when driving a heavy vehicle. Do not tailgate, stop except in an emergency, reverse, drive on the shoulder, drop off or alight passengers, or refuel on the expressway (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

The Expressway Traffic Rules also require a vehicle with a speed limit of 60 km/h or below to use the left-hand expressway lane, except when overtaking, passing an obstruction, or following a traffic or directional sign (SSO, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules r 12).

The shoulder is not a general stopping or passing lane. Rule 8 prohibits driving, moving, stopping or remaining at rest on an expressway shoulder or verge except as allowed by rule 6. Rule 6 permits stopping for a breakdown or mechanical defect, lack of necessary fuel, oil or water, illness, accident or emergency, to recover an object fallen on the expressway, or to help someone in those circumstances. As soon as practicable, move off the carriageway onto the shoulder or verge on the left or near side. While there, keep the vehicle and its load out of the carriageway’s way and danger so far as reasonably practicable, and do not remain longer than necessary. The rule also allows a vehicle to stop on the carriageway if blocked by another vehicle, person or object, or in accordance with a traffic sign or police direction (SSO, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules rr 6 and 8).

For an offence of driving or stopping on an expressway shoulder under rule 8 (subject to rule 6’s exceptions), SPF states the maximum penalty is a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment up to 3 months, or both; for a second or subsequent conviction the maximum is $2,000 or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both. DIPS assigns 6 points for driving on the shoulder and 4 points for stopping on the shoulder or verge, stopping or remaining on the expressway carriageway, and unnecessarily reversing along an expressway (SPF, Enforcement Operation Against Errant Motorists on Expressways; SSO, Road Traffic (Driver Improvement Points System) Rules Schedule).

Expressway breakdown response

If a vehicle breaks down, LTA advises stopping on the road shoulder if possible, switching on hazard lights and calling LTA at 1800-2255-582. Give the expressway location and direction of travel, using a nearby kilometre marker, lamp-post number or slip road as a reference. The EMAS recovery team will tow the vehicle to the nearest designated car park. For safety, stay downstream from the vehicle and behind the impact guardrail if possible, watch for oncoming traffic, and do not attempt repairs on the expressway. If leaving the vehicle is unsafe or it cannot be moved to the shoulder, remain inside and call for help (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels). This complements the statutory stopping exceptions above; general breakdown and warning-triangle guidance is covered in vehicle-breakdown-and-warning-triangle.

Pedestrians must not go or remain on any part of an expressway other than a footway, except for specified road works or with the Deputy Commissioner of Police’s authorisation. Skates are prohibited on expressways, and a person may cross an expressway only by an overhead bridge or subway. LTA also says pedestrians are not allowed on expressways or in tunnels, and that PMDs cannot travel there because they are prohibited on all roads (SSO, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules r 14A; LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

EMAS and overhead lane-use signs

SPF’s 2026 Basic Theory of Driving handbook gives example responses for common EMAS messages: slow down and drive carefully for caution, congestion, accident, vehicle-breakdown and roadworks warnings; drive at a displayed recommended speed; leave the expressway when it is closed, or use an alternative exit when an exit is closed; and for a lane-reduction message, slow down, drive carefully and get ready to change lane if necessary. It also says to look out and give way when an ambulance or fire-engine message is displayed (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook (2026 edition)). These are example messages and responses; follow the live sign and road conditions.

In a tunnel, follow the lane-use signs above each traffic lane: a green arrow indicates an open lane, a flashing amber cross warns of a lane closure ahead and means drivers should get ready to change lanes, and a red cross means the lane is closed and drivers must not proceed beyond the sign. If all lane-use signs show a red cross, LTA says not to proceed: stop, turn off the ignition, and head on foot to the nearest emergency escape route, staying alert for other traffic and following the red-and-white or green exit panels. If red crosses appear before the entrance, do not enter and take another route (LTA, Road Tunnel Operations & Safety). During an emergency, LTA says to drive out through the nearest exit where possible. If evacuation on foot is necessary, LTA’s exit directions differ by tunnel: in Woodsville and Fort Canning tunnels, head toward the entrance away from the incident or smoke; in CTE, KPE, MCE and Sentosa Gateway Tunnel, use an emergency escape staircase every 500 m beside the left-most lane; pedestrian cross passages every 100 m beside the right-most lane are described for CTE, KPE and MCE. LTA identifies CTE escape staircases and pedestrian cross passages by red-and-white stripes and flashing orange lights; in KPE, MCE and Sentosa Gateway Tunnel, escape staircases use green panels and flashing blue-white lights, and KPE and MCE cross passages use those green panels and blue-white lights. Follow traffic-message signs and directions from police or LTA traffic marshals (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels; LTA, Road Tunnel Operations & Safety).

LTA says tunnel emergencies may be signalled by a fire alarm, flashing lights, public-address announcements, or red X signs above all lanes. Tune in to a local radio station for LTA’s emergency announcements. LTA says not to be alarmed if the overhead sprinkler system activates; the system operates in the CTE, KPE, MCE, Woodsville Tunnel and Sentosa Gateway Tunnel (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

LTA says tunnel emergencies may be signalled by a fire alarm, flashing lights, public-address announcements, or red X signs above all lanes. Tune in to a local radio station for LTA’s emergency announcements. LTA says not to be alarmed if the overhead sprinkler system activates; the system operates in the CTE, KPE, MCE, Woodsville Tunnel and Sentosa Gateway Tunnel (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

Driving in a tunnel

Before entering a road tunnel, LTA advises drivers to plan their route, turn on headlights, tune in to a local radio station, follow traffic signs, stay in lane, prepare the stored-value card in the IU or OBU, ensure enough fuel, secure goods, and keep left in a heavy vehicle. Heavy vehicles must stow cranes before entering. In a tunnel, do not overtake or tailgate, stop except in an emergency, reverse, use the shoulder, drop off or alight passengers, repair the vehicle or change tyres, or refuel (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

LTA’s Operations Control Centre monitors road tunnels around the clock. During a fire, tunnel ventilation removes smoke; the KPE, MCE, CTE, Woodsville Tunnel, and Sentosa Gateway Tunnel also have overhead water sprinklers. Fire-service cabinets are placed every 50 m beside the left-most lane, with emergency SOS phones in alternate cabinets, every 100 m (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

Rule 13 prohibits stopping in a road or expressway tunnel except when lawfully required or compelled by an accident, breakdown, or emergency. It also prohibits entering on foot, alighting except in an emergency or to summon assistance, using a horn except in an emergency, making a U-turn or reversing, changing a tyre or wheel, refuelling or repairing, and pushing a vehicle. A police officer’s direction or a traffic sign may provide otherwise (SSO, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules r 13).

Vehicles restricted from expressways and tunnels

Generally you cannot drive excluded vehicles on expressways, including expressway tunnels. OneMotoring’s list includes bicycles, power-assisted bicycles, tricycles, trishaws, motorcycles with side cars attached, motorcycles whose designed maximum speed is less than 50 km/h, invalid carriages, three-wheeled vans, low trailers, road rollers, ready-mix concrete trucks, mobile cranes, forklifts, excavators, road pavers, tractors, dumpers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, graders, mobile concrete pumps, hydrant dispensers, motor vehicles with any wheel fitted with neither a pneumatic tyre nor a solid rubber tyre, and any other motor vehicle whose maximum speed under the Road Traffic (Regulation of Speed) Rules is less than 50 km/h (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels). LTA says a permit is required when an excluded vehicle must use an expressway because of route constraints or lack of an alternative route; the permit conditions must be followed.

The tunnel prohibitions are a separate list. Rule 14 bars vehicles without enough fuel to pass through; vehicles carrying uncontrolled animals or poultry or uncovered garbage, fine particles or similar materials; vehicles carrying specified dangerous substances or articles; vehicles with unsecured loads; vehicles carrying someone standing outside or overhanging the vehicle; vehicles at least 4.5 m high, over 3 m wide, or over 13 m long; trailers conveying standard containers; diesel tankers; human-powered pedal vehicles such as bicycles, three-wheeled pedal cycles, recumbent devices and trishaws; and electric-assist bicycles or trishaws. A vehicle wider than 3 m may use a tunnel if authorised under a trip or term permit. Rule 14B separately bars vehicles at least 3.5 m high, excursion buses, omnibuses, private buses, private-hire buses, school buses and goods vehicles from Sentosa Gateway Tunnel (SSO, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules rr 14 and 14B). LTA notes that its published list is not exhaustive; check the current Rules and permit conditions for the vehicle and route (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

For an expressway-excluded vehicle, LTA says to apply through its online feedback form to the Vehicle Approval and Control Division, with the completed application form, an endorsed scanned copy, and the supporting documents listed on that form. LTA estimates processing at about 14 working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. The approval letter’s conditions must be followed, and the letter must be kept in the vehicle for LTA checks (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

For tunnels, the Rules prohibit vehicles that are short of fuel to pass through, carrying certain unsecured or inadequately controlled loads, carrying substances in the Third Schedule (subject to stated exceptions), carrying a person outside the vehicle, at least 4.5 m high, wider than 3 m, longer than 13 m, hauling a standard container trailer, or being a tanker carrying diesel fuel. Human-powered cycles and electric bicycles or trishaws are also prohibited. A vehicle wider than 3 m may use a tunnel if authorised under the specified width-and-length permit rules (SSO, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules r 14).

LTA says an oversized vehicle movement (OVM) permit may be applied for when a vehicle wider than 3 m needs to use a tunnel. LTA’s PROMPT FAQ says to submit the application through LTA.PROMPT at least 3 working days before travel; submissions made after noon count as applications for the next working day, and LTA says permit applications are processed within 3 working days. First-time users must register as an agency or transport-company applicant. The listed fee is $12 for a single-trip permit or $20 for a 3-month term permit. An OVM permit does not waive other applicable laws, rules, or agency conditions, so follow the route and conditions approved for the vehicle (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels; LTA.PROMPT, FAQ — Permit for Vehicle Movement).

Sentosa Gateway Tunnel has additional restrictions: vehicles 3.5 m or higher, excursion buses, omnibuses, private buses, private-hire buses, school buses, and goods vehicles are prohibited (SSO, Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules r 14B). LTA’s tunnel restrictions page is expressly non-exhaustive; check the Rules and relevant permit conditions before using a tunnel with a restricted vehicle (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels).

Breakdown, accident, or fire

On an expressway breakdown, stop on the shoulder if possible, switch on hazard lights, and call LTA at 1800-2255-582. OneMotoring notes that charges apply for mobile calls to “1800” service lines and only calls from regular land lines are free (LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels). Give your location and direction of travel; use nearby kilometre markers, lamppost numbers, or slip roads to help identify where you are. LTA says EMAS will tow the vehicle to the nearest designated car park. Do not attempt repairs on the expressway. Stay downstream and behind the impact guardrail if possible; if it is unsafe to leave the vehicle or you cannot reach the shoulder, stay inside and call for assistance (LTA OneMotoring, expressway emergency procedures).

The recovery crew photographs the vehicle before towing and tells the driver which designated car park it is being taken to. At the car park, the crew photographs it again; the driver arranges collection with their own towing provider, and parking charges apply while the vehicle waits for that provider (LTA OneMotoring, expressway breakdown recovery process).

Under section 123A of the Road Traffic Act, an LTA employee or authorised agent may remove a stationary vehicle from an expressway. Refusing to allow or obstructing that removal is an offence. The vehicle must be taken to a nearby parking place, and the owner is responsible for the removal costs and parking charges while it remains there; LTA may waive some or all removal costs. LTA says EMAS tows stalled vehicles to the nearest designated car park free of charge; its live breakdown procedure states that parking charges apply after arrival while the driver arranges onward towing (Singapore Statutes Online, Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 123A; LTA, Intelligent Transport Systems).

If your vehicle is involved in an expressway accident, LTA advises driving out if possible when no injury needs attention; for a tunnel accident, it likewise advises driving out if no injury needs attention. If the vehicle has stalled or other assistance is needed, call LTA; in a tunnel, use the nearest emergency SOS phone or call LTA. LTA says EMAS recovery crews and traffic marshals cordon an expressway accident site, give first aid if needed, and help with traffic control, rescue and recovery. For cases involving injuries, Traffic Police and SCDF are informed and dispatched. If required, LTA traffic marshals record accident details and evidence; the recovery crew photographs the vehicle, which is towed to a designated car park if Traffic Police gives clearance. For a tunnel accident, LTA also says LTA, SCDF and Traffic Police response teams will arrive to assist (LTA OneMotoring, expressway and tunnel accident procedures).

If an expressway vehicle is left unattended, the EMAS recovery crew photographs it and, if its doors are unlocked, lists the items inside. Removable items are taken to the LTA Operations Control Centre. After the vehicle is towed, LTA says it will notify the owner by post to contact the centre to find out where the vehicle is and arrange an appointment to collect items; the owner can also call 1800-2255-582 to ask where the vehicle is (LTA OneMotoring, unattended vehicle and post-tow procedures).

In a tunnel breakdown, stop on the shoulder where possible, turn on hazard lights, and use the nearest SOS phone or call LTA. Give your location and direction of travel; identify nearby emergency-exit labels, slip roads, or kilometre markers on the wall panels or raised platform. LTA advises occupants to move to the raised shoulder platform downstream of the vehicle if possible; do not attempt repairs. Follow any instruction to evacuate (LTA OneMotoring, tunnel emergency procedures).

If there is an injury, call 995 or 999. If there is no injury to attend to and the vehicle can be driven, LTA advises driving out of the expressway or tunnel. For a vehicle fire or smoke, stop at the shoulder, switch off the engine, move away, and call 995, use the nearest SOS phone, or activate the fire-service-cabinet break-glass unit. If the vehicle is an EV, give the response team its make, model, and licence plate number. LTA says fire-service cabinets containing extinguishers are beside the left-most lane every 50 m; SOS phones are in alternate cabinets, every 100 m (LTA OneMotoring, emergency procedures).

If lane-use signs show a red X, avoid that lane. If all lanes show a red X, do not proceed: stop, switch off the ignition, and head on foot to the nearest emergency escape route, staying alert for traffic and following the red-and-white or green exit panels. If red X signs appear before the tunnel entrance, do not enter and take another route (LTA, Road Tunnel Operations & Safety). Follow green arrows, traffic-message signs, and directions from police officers or LTA traffic marshals. If you must evacuate on foot, follow LTA’s route for the tunnel: in the Woodsville and Fort Canning tunnels, head toward the tunnel entrance away from the incident or smoke; LTA also says that in the CTE, KPE, MCE and Sentosa Gateway Tunnel, the nearest emergency exit is marked by flashing lights; in the CTE, KPE, MCE, and Sentosa Gateway tunnels, use an emergency escape staircase beside the left-most lane, located every 500 m and leading to street level. In the CTE, KPE, and MCE, a pedestrian cross passage beside the right-most lane is also available every 100 m and leads to the opposite-bound tunnel (LTA OneMotoring, tunnel emergency procedures; LTA, Road Tunnel Operations & Safety).

Coverage debt

• The Notification schedules list many exact road sections. This article gives only examples; drivers should consult the live schedules and signs for the segment they are using.
• EMAS examples in the handbook are not exhaustive; follow the live message and road conditions.
• Follow LTA’s displayed directions and live instructions during an incident; published procedures are general and do not give an incident-specific route for every event.
• Rule 6 expressly lists stopping circumstances and safety requirements, but the cited legal text does not define how a driver should assess whether the shoulder is sufficiently safe to leave the vehicle; follow LTA’s current incident guidance and on-scene directions.

Sources

• Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 114
• LTA OneMotoring, Driving on Expressways & in Tunnels
• LTA, Road Tunnel Operations & Safety
• LTA, Intelligent Transport Systems
• SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook (2026 edition)
• Road Traffic (Restriction of Speed on Roads) Notification para 2
• Road Traffic (Restriction of Speed on Roads) Notification, Second Schedule
• Road Traffic (Restriction of Speed on Roads) Notification, Fifth Schedule
• Road Traffic (Restriction of Speed on Roads) Notification, Sixth Schedule
• Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules rr 12–14B
• Road Traffic (Expressway Traffic) Rules rr 6 and 8
• Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 123A
• Road Traffic (Driver Improvement Points System) Rules Schedule
• LTA.PROMPT, FAQ — Permit for Vehicle Movement
• SPF, Enforcement Operation Against Errant Motorists on Expressways