In a shocking revelation, only 1 in 10 heavy vehicles in Singapore has been fitted with speed limiters—crucial safety devices designed to cap speeds at a maximum of 60 km/h. Despite a government mandate set to take effect by January 2026, out of 2,600 heavy vehicles that need the upgrades, merely 231 have complied.

To address this alarming trend, Singapore’s Traffic Police (TP) launched an intense two-day operation aimed at lorry drivers, beginning June 9. They engaged drivers directly about the urgent need for these devices and provided QR codes linking to authorized installation services.

The Countdown to Compliance Begins!

From January 2024, companies operating heavy vehicles weighing between 3,501 kg and 12,000 kg must begin installing speed limiters, with a compliance window of two to three years. By July 2027, around 17,000 eligible lorries are mandated to have these devices, which are also a requirement for newly imported vehicles in this weight category.

Dave Ng, chairman of the Singapore Logistics Association, pointed out the growing pressure on operators to step up compliance. "Delays often arise from fears about costs and operational disruptions, but safety should trump all concerns," he stressed.

Safety at Stake: A Call to Action!

Kori Holdings' CEO, Hooi Yu Koh, voiced his frustration regarding the slow adoption. While some leased heavy vehicles include speed limiters, many do not. "It's essential for us to have access to these safer vehicles," he stated.

During the recent crackdown on June 9 and 10, TP stopped heavy vehicles across key locations like Loyang and the Tampines Expressway, uncovering 32 traffic violations including 17 speed-related offenses.

Is Safety on the Backburner?

Superintendent Lian Weixiong reiterated the urgent nature of this situation, noting that 10 speeding violations were recorded on just the first day of operations. "This blatant disregard for traffic laws endangers everyone on the road," he said, urging owners to install speed limiters promptly, not just for compliance but for public safety.

Leading the charge, Lucky Joint Construction equipped 67 of its 79 heavy vehicles with speed limiters as early as March 2025, claiming significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs.

A Wake-Up Call for Heavy Vehicle Operators!

With traffic accident fatalities reaching a five-year high in 2024—one-third of which involve speeding—the warning is clear. Heavy vehicle operators must act now. As the clock ticks towards the 2026 deadline, it’s imperative to prioritize safety over procrastination.

Will Singapore's heavy vehicle operators rise to the occasion? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: the lives of road users depend on it!