Merlion BTT· 2 min read
The Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS)
Understanding Demerit Points, fines, and license suspension/revocation protocols.
6. The Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS) Analysis
A critical component of the BTT is understanding the legal consequences of malpractice. DIPS is designed to identify and rehabilitate high-risk drivers through a system of demerit points and fines.
6.1 Demerit Point Schedule (2024-2025)
The BTT requires candidates to identify the severity of offenses. The following table synthesizes key offenses and their associated points.
| Offense Category | Demerit Points | Analysis & Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Stopping in Yellow Box | 0 | No points, but a fine applies. It causes obstruction but not immediate danger. 25 |
| Parking on double yellow lines | 3 | Considered a minor parking offense, but cumulative. 25 |
| Failing to wear seatbelt | 3 | Applies to driver and passengers. A fundamental safety violation. 16 |
| Exceeding Speed Limit (1-20 km/h) | 4 | Minor speeding. Indicates a lapse in control. 16 |
| Failing to Give Way at Junction | 4 | A common cause of right-angle collisions. 16 |
| Crossing Double White Lines | 4 | Serious lane discipline violation indicating reckless maneuvering. 16 |
| Exceeding Speed Limit (21-30 km/h) | 6 | Moderate speeding. 16 |
| Driving on Expressway Shoulder | 6 | The shoulder is strictly for emergencies. Misuse delays emergency vehicles. 16 |
| Exceeding Speed Limit (31-40 km/h) | 8 | Serious speeding. High risk of fatality. 16 |
| Beating Red Light | 12 | Critical offense. High risk of T-bone collisions. 16 |
| Use of Mobile Phone while Driving | 12 | Distracted driving is treated with extreme severity, equated to beating a red light. 16 |
| Reckless/Dangerous Driving | 24 | Immediate suspension/prosecution. This includes driving against traffic flow. 16 |
6.2 Suspension and Revocation Protocols
The DIPS system differentiates between new and qualified drivers to enforce a stricter standard during the learning curve.
Probationary Drivers (New License)
- Rule: During the one-year probation period, the accumulation of 13 demerit points results in the revocation of the license.
- Consequence: The driver must retake all tests (Theory and Practical) to regain the license. This is a “reset” of the licensing process.26
Qualified Drivers
- 1st Suspension: Accumulated 24 points within 24 months.
- Duration: 12 weeks.
- Remission: Can be reduced to 4 weeks if the driver passes a retraining course and the offenses were non-accident related.27
- 2nd Suspension: Accumulated 12 points within 12 months.
- Duration: 24 weeks.
- Insight: The threshold drops dramatically (from 24 to 12 points) after the first suspension, indicating a “tightening of the leash” for repeat offenders.27
- Subsequent Suspensions: The duration increases progressively (1 year, 2 years, etc.) for each subsequent breach of the 12-point threshold.27
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