知识库道路规则核对于 2026年10月15日约 24 分钟读完 EN

Following distances and sharing the road safely in Singapore

Highway Code guidance on following distances, pedestrian conduct and sharing the road safely, with SPF advice on courteous driving and responding to dangerous motorists.

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主要来源： https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/RTA1961-R11?DocDate=20240301&ProvIds=pr67-&ViewType=Within&WiAl=1

General road-user responsibilities

The Highway Code describes itself as conduct guidance that emphasizes road users’ responsibilities to one another (para. 1). It says road traffic depends on cooperation among all road users to operate smoothly and efficiently and to reduce accidents (para. 3). It asks road users to be considerate, courteous, vigilant and sober. It says alcohol reduces drivers’ alertness and sense of caution, that other road users—particularly cyclists and pedestrians—must also be sober, and that negligence, lack of consideration and alcohol cause many fatal accidents (para. 4). It also tells road users to understand the traffic signals and signs in the Code and the Traffic Signs Rules, and to use or obey them as appropriate (para. 5). It encourages readers to study and understand the Code and pass that knowledge on, especially to children (para. 6) (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, paras. 1 and 3–6).

Following distance

The Highway Code says drivers should allow at least one car length for every 16 km/h of speed. This is the distance guidance it gives for being able to adjust speed and stop within the space between the vehicle and the one ahead (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, para. 67). The next paragraph advises drivers to watch for the stop light on the car in front and for traffic ahead of that car (para. 68) (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, para. 68).

The Code also advises drivers to check their mirrors every 5 to 10 seconds while driving, and to look in the mirror and make sure a manoeuvre is safe before changing direction, overtaking or stopping (paras. 87–88) (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, paras. 87–88).

The current Code defines stopping distance as the distance travelled while the driver reacts plus the vehicle’s braking distance (para. 69). It gives no numerical stopping-distance formula there. An earlier dry-road example in para. 11 was replaced in 2019 with the current general wording; do not use that former example as a current stopping-distance figure (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, paras. 11 and 69; Highway (Revision No. 2) Code 2019).

SPF’s current Final Theory handbook says wet-road stopping distance increases to about twice the dry-road distance because there is less tyre-road friction. It also advises slowing down on wet roads; if the wheels lock, release the brake and use intermittent braking until the vehicle stops (para. 178). This is handbook guidance, not a vehicle-specific measurement, and the Code gives no separate numerical wet-weather following-distance formula (SPF, Final Theory of Driving handbook, para. 178). Do not treat the one-car-length guidance as a guarantee that a vehicle can stop in every road or weather condition.

Headlights and poor visibility

The Highway Code says drivers must use headlights from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Use dipped headlights at night in built-up areas with poor street lighting and during rainy weather. On unlit or dimly lit roads, use headlights and dip them when meeting other vehicles or cyclists; if another vehicle’s lights dazzle you, slow down and stop if necessary. Dip headlights when following another vehicle. In daytime, switch on lights when visibility is poor or it is raining so other road users can see your vehicle. When parking on an unlit or poorly lit road at night, the Code advises leaving side or parking lights on (Highway Code, paras. 95–100) (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, paras. 95–100).

Wet roads, poor visibility and flood water

In bad weather, SPF advises reducing speed enough to manoeuvre safely, staying within the distance that can be seen clearly, switching on headlights, using the demister to clear the windscreen, and stopping in a safe place with hazard lights if visibility is inadequate; wait until conditions are favourable before proceeding. Use a faster front-windscreen-wiper speed in heavy rain (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, p. 65).

SPF's current Basic Theory of Driving handbook explains that surface water can build up under tyres as speed increases, causing aquaplaning and a loss of steering control and braking efficiency. It advises drivers to slow down using intermittent braking until they regain control. If a flooded road is passable, the handbook advises engaging a lower gear; after driving through water, pump the brake pedal repeatedly until braking action returns. At night, flood depth can be deceptive, so if unsure, take an alternative route (SPF, Basic Theory of Driving handbook, p. 65).

School patrol crossings

When a school patrol sign is extended at a pedestrian crossing, vehicles travelling in both directions must stop and remain stationary until the crossing is completely clear and the sign has been removed (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, para. 81).

Reversing safely

Before reversing, check that the blind area behind the vehicle is clear of children, other pedestrians, and obstructions. Do not reverse from a side road onto a main road. If the rear view is restricted, get help while reversing (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, paras. 84–86).

Road courtesy and dangerous driving

SPF encourages patience and graciousness on the road, and says anger, worry and stress can reduce concentration and lead to rash or careless driving (SPF, Road Safety Tips for Drivers; SPF, Final Theory of Driving handbook, para. 173).

If you encounter dangerous driving, SPF advises staying alert, maintaining a safe distance and reporting it to Police immediately (SPF, advice on encountering dangerous driving).

Common causes of traffic accidents

The Highway Code identifies five common causes of traffic accidents: failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to keep proper control of the vehicle, failing to give way to traffic with the right of way, changing lanes without due care, and disobeying traffic-light signals (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, para. 117).

Passing vulnerable road users

The Highway Code says that, especially on roads without a path beside them, drivers should watch for pedestrians, pedal cyclists, PAB and PMD riders, and mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair users, regardless of whether they are allowed on the road. Drivers should keep a safe distance behind these road users and leave a margin of safety when passing them (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, para. 83). Paragraph 83 does not specify a numeric following distance or passing margin.

The Code says cyclists should ride at the left-hand edge, keep a straight course, avoid sudden swerves and allow traffic to overtake safely (para. 29). Where a full-day or part-day bicycle lane is provided, cyclists should use it during its operating hours and no other part of the road, except when the lane is blocked or obstructed or when making a U-turn or right turn (para. 30). Ride single file when possible (para. 31); do not weave through traffic, including to get ahead in slow traffic (para. 32); and keep a safe distance behind motor vehicles, especially moving vehicles, so there is room to avoid a collision if the vehicle stops suddenly (para. 33). Cyclists should remain aware of traffic (para. 34), slow down and look for other road users near road accesses, bends, junctions and crossings, and when passing parked vehicles, watch for doors opening and allow a safety margin (para. 35). Do not squeeze between a bus at a bus stop and the kerb (para. 35A), and avoid staying close behind a turning motor vehicle or squeezing between it and the kerb (para. 35B) (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, paras. 29–35B).

Before setting off, riders of bicycles, three-wheeled pedal cycles and recumbent devices should check that the front and back lights, brakes, tyres and chain are in safe working condition and check the handlebar and seat height. The Code says that if a rider cannot touch the ground with a foot on either side, the seat is too high for full control when stopping suddenly in an emergency (para. 38). At night or when visibility is low, riders of these devices must switch on their lights: the front light must show white and the rear must show red or have a red reflector, visible from a reasonable distance. The Code also recommends keeping the rear mudguard white and clean and wearing light-coloured clothing at night to improve visibility (para. 39). Riders should use the safest route and keep out of heavy traffic as much as possible (para. 43) (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, paras. 38–39 and 43).

While riding, cyclists should keep both hands on the handlebars. Signal a change of direction or turn ahead of time, then return the signalling hand to the handlebar before turning. Do not carry anything in an arm if it could interfere with control of the bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, paras. 40–41).

If the hill is so steep that a bicycle, three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device wobbles before reaching the top, the rider should get off and walk it. Cyclists should also keep their speed under control on downhill roads so they can stop in an emergency. The Code says not to hold onto the back or side of a motor vehicle while cycling. Since the 2024 revision, paragraph 36 expressly applies this guidance to three-wheeled pedal cycles and recumbent devices as well as bicycles (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, paras. 36–37; Highway (Revision) Code 2024).

For drivers, the Code says to slow down near road accesses, bends, junctions and crossings and when passing parked vehicles; watch for doors opening from parked vehicles and leave a safety margin. Near pedestrian crossings, drivers should slow down and not overtake; be ready to slow or stop to give way, signal their intention to slow or stop, and allow more stopping time on wet roads. At light-signal- or police-controlled crossings, give way to listed road users who are crossing when the signal to stop is given. Stop for both directions when a school patrol sign is extended and wait until the whole crossing is clear and the sign is removed. Also watch for road users emerging from behind stationary vehicles and other obstructions, take care near schools and bus stops, and when turning at a road junction give way to the listed pedestrians, cyclists, PAB and PMD riders, and mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair users who are crossing (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, paras. 35 and 78–82).

Cyclists must obey traffic rules and must not ignore road signs (para. 44) (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, para. 44).

At bus stops, the Code warns passengers not to get on or off a moving bus or one that is not at a bus stop, and pedestrians not to step suddenly from behind a stationary or slowly moving bus. It advises people waiting to board to signal clearly for the bus to stop and not to step onto the road until it has stopped. For drivers, this is a reminder to watch for people around buses as they approach and leave stops (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, para. 28).

Since 1 January 2026, a person must not stand or be present in a carriageway area at a bus stop, bus terminus, taxi stand, taxi stop or P2P stop where the area is for passenger pickup or setdown, is marked with yellow lines (or blue lines for a P2P stop), and has an adjacent bus stand or pavement. The P2P-stop and blue-line provision took effect on that date (Road Traffic Rules, r. 26B) (Singapore Statutes Online, current Road Traffic Rules, r. 26B).

When a bicycle crossing and a pedestrian crossing are both available, the Highway Code requires pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs to use the bicycle crossing (para. 44A). Drivers should allow for these users crossing there under the give-way guidance above (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, para. 44A). At a pedestrian crossing, bicycle crossing, zebra crossing or informal crossing, and at a car-park entrance or exit, the Code advises these users to cross only at walking speed (para. 44B) (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, para. 44B). The Code also advises that a personal mobility device (other than a three-wheeled pedal cycle or recumbent device), mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair should not be ridden or driven on a road (para. 44C). The 2019 revision introduced this guidance, and the 2024 revision added the three-wheeled pedal cycle and recumbent-device exception to that paragraph (Singapore Statutes Online, Highway Code, para. 44C; Highway (Revision No. 2) Code 2019; Highway (Revision) Code 2024).

The Road Traffic (Bicycle Crossing) Rules add legal requirements for these crossings. Within 50 metres of either side of a bicycle crossing, or a shorter distance shown by signs, cyclists, mobility-vehicle users, PMD riders and pedestrians must use it to cross. Before entering, cyclists, mobility-vehicle users and PMD riders must stop at the crossing sign; riders must approach at a speed that lets them stop before the crossing, and stop and look for oncoming traffic before using it. At a signalised bicycle crossing, cross only when the green bicycle is lit, never enter while it is flashing or use the crossing when the red bicycle is lit. Drivers approaching must be able to stop before the crossing, and a person who has entered when permitted has free and uninterrupted passage across it. No driver may stop on the crossing unless prevented by circumstances beyond their control or necessary to avoid an accident, and no user may remain on it longer than necessary to cross with reasonable despatch (Road Traffic (Bicycle Crossing) Rules, rr. 3–8) (Singapore Statutes Online, current Road Traffic (Bicycle Crossing) Rules, rr. 3–8).

The Road Traffic Act generally prohibits riding a personal mobility device or driving or riding a mobility vehicle on a road. For a person crossing the road on one of these devices, it allows crossing by the shortest safe route without staying on the road longer than necessary. It also allows a person to travel along the road only as far as reasonably necessary to avoid an obstruction on an adjacent area, if it is impracticable to use that area. For a PMD rider, the adjacent area is a shared path or footpath; for a mobility-vehicle user, it is a public path (Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 5A(1)–(2)). Drivers may therefore encounter these users while they cross the road or make this limited detour allowed by the Act (Singapore Statutes Online, Road Traffic Act 1961, s. 5A).

Pedestrian conduct at crossings

The Highway Code advises pedestrians walking where there is no footpath to keep as close as possible to the road edge and avoid using a mobile communication device while walking along the road. At night on an unlit or dimly lit road, wear or carry something light-coloured or reflective. To cross, use a pedestrian crossing if available; otherwise take the shortest route across and do not risk crossing in heavy traffic. Obey traffic signs and lights, make sure there is a clear view both ways, take extra care around obstructions, avoid using a mobile device while crossing, and check for yourself rather than follow another person blindly. In rain, do not rush with your head down or an umbrella obscuring your view; children should be taught the “look right, look left, then look right again” kerb drill. Paragraph 11 warns that vehicle stopping distance varies with speed, reaction distance and braking distance. At pedestrian crossings, do not step on until approaching vehicles have completely stopped; remain alert to inattentive drivers and, if possible, make eye contact. Take extra care at night because crossings may be hard for drivers to see, especially in rain. Once on the crossing, look both ways; although a pedestrian has right of way after stepping off the kerb, allow approaching vehicles ample time to give way, especially when the road is wet. Do not wait on the pavement if you do not intend to cross. Treat each half of a crossing separated by a central refuge as a separate crossing. If both bicycle and pedestrian crossings are available, pedestrians are advised to use the pedestrian crossing (para. 20A); the separate bicycle-crossing guidance for cyclists and device users appears in para. 44A. At junctions, watch for vehicles negotiating the corner (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, paras. 7–8 and 10–21; para. 11).

The Highway Code separately says that pedestrians, pedal cyclists, riders of power-assisted bicycles or personal mobility devices, and drivers of mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs have right of way on pedestrian crossings (para. 77). This guidance identifies the crossing users whose right of way drivers should respect; it does not remove the separate crossing controls or user-specific instructions described above (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, para. 77).

At signal-controlled crossings, wait on the footway until the traffic in front has stopped. Do not cross until the green man appears; if there is no pedestrian signal, cross only with the green traffic light. Where possible, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are aware of your presence. If the green man starts flickering, pedestrians already crossing should move briskly, while those about to start should wait. Do not cross on the red man or against a police officer’s stop signal. If a push-button is provided, press it and wait for the green man. Where a pedestrian overpass or underpass is provided, use it (Singapore Statutes Online, current Highway Code, paras. 22–27).

The separate Road Traffic (Pedestrian Crossings) Rules require a pedestrian, cyclist, mobility-vehicle user or PMD rider to use a pedestrian crossing when within 50 metres of either side of it, or within a shorter distance shown by signs. The overhead-bridge exception is limited to a person who does not have complete use of one or both legs, or a person whose registered medical practitioner certifies that a heart disease, ailment or defect may dangerously affect their health or physical condition if they use the bridge. At a junction or intersection marked with two parallel yellow lines, cross parallel to the direction of traffic; at a signal-controlled crossing, cross only when the green man is illuminated. Do not climb over, crawl under or pass through a railing or gap erected to prevent crossing. Away from a pedestrian crossing, cross by the most direct route and give way to vehicles; do not stand, sit, squat, loiter, walk or run on a road so as to interfere with lawful traffic movement (Road Traffic (Pedestrian Crossings) Rules, rr. 3 and 13) (Singapore Statutes Online, current Road Traffic (Pedestrian Crossings) Rules, rr. 3 and 13).

The same Rules set duties for drivers. Approach a pedestrian crossing at a speed that allows you to stop before it. At an uncontrolled crossing, allow free and uninterrupted passage to any listed user who is crossing or starting to cross. At a signal- or police-controlled crossing, anyone about to enter or already crossing must have free and uninterrupted passage even if you have received a proceed signal; when turning at a junction with a crossing, stop to give way to listed users crossing or starting to cross. Do not stop on a pedestrian crossing unless circumstances beyond your control prevent you from proceeding or stopping is necessary to avoid an accident. Do not stop in a zebra controlled area, except to comply with the give-way rule or the overtaking rule's specific stationary-vehicle exception, due to circumstances beyond your control, to avoid an accident, for specified emergency, construction, obstruction-removal, road-maintenance or utility works, or to make a left or right turn. Within a zebra controlled area, do not pass a moving vehicle travelling in the same direction or a vehicle stopped on your side to give way to a crossing user. The latter no-overtaking prohibition has no general turn exception (Singapore Statutes Online, current Road Traffic (Pedestrian Crossings) Rules, rr. 4–7 and 9–11).

At an intersection or junction controlled by a police officer or light signals, pedestrians, cyclists, mobility-vehicle users and PMD riders may cross in the same direction as moving traffic; they must not cross in another direction unless they can do so without interfering with lawful traffic movement. No such user may remain on a pedestrian crossing longer than necessary to cross. Separately, cyclists, mobility-vehicle users and PMD riders must approach a pedestrian or zebra crossing at a speed that allows them to stop, then stop and look for oncoming traffic before using it. At an informal crossing or a car-park entrance or exit, they must likewise approach at a speed that permits stopping, stop and look, and give way to any motor vehicle or stream of vehicles immediately approaching from either side or entering or leaving the car park (Road Traffic (Pedestrian Crossings) Rules, rr. 8, 12 and 14) (Singapore Statutes Online, current Road Traffic (Pedestrian Crossings) Rules, rr. 8, 12 and 14).