Riding the MRT in Singapore: the rules and the fines
The one that catches visitors: no eating or drinking anywhere in the stations or on the trains, and no chewing gum. These are the Rapid Transit Systems Regulations, which cover every MRT and LRT line.
Food, drink and gum
- No eating or drinking anywhere on the railway premises, in the stations or on the trains, except where the operator has set a place aside for it. Maximum fine S$500
- No chewing gum or bubble gum on the railway premises. Maximum fine S$500
- No spitting, and no litter or gum dropped anywhere except in the bins. Maximum fine S$5,000
Smoking, escalators, doors
- Where a notice prohibits smoking, no smoking, no carrying a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe, and no naked flame. Maximum fine S$1,000
- On escalators and travelators: do not sit on the steps or the handrail, and do not walk against the direction they are moving. Maximum fine S$500
- Do not hold or force the platform screen doors or the train doors. Their emergency handles are for emergencies only. Maximum fine S$1,000
- If station staff say a train is full, do not get on, or get off if they tell you to. Maximum fine S$500
Luggage, bicycles, animals
- Luggage larger or heavier than the limits on the station notices, or that gets in other people's way, may be refused. Maximum fine S$500
- One foldable bicycle or personal mobility device per person: folded, longest side upright, no bigger than 120 × 70 × 40 cm, motor switched off, pedals and handlebars that stick out covered, wheels covered if staff ask. Carry it; never ride it in the station. Maximum fine S$500
- No animals, apart from guide dogs with people who have a sight or hearing impairment, and police or security dogs on duty. Maximum fine S$500
- No dangerous or flammable goods of the kinds listed in the conditions of use. Maximum fine S$5,000
About the fines
Each amount is the most a court can fine for that offence. Most of the offences on this page can also be compounded, which means settling with the authorities instead of going to court; the Regulations do not say for how much. You must also follow staff instructions and the notices in the station, which is an offence of its own (up to S$500).
