Since the beginning of the year, private-hire driver Michael has encountered around 20 passengers who either vaped during their ride or right before getting into his car.
“The frequency of vaping passengers has been alarming,” said the 48-year-old, who chose to remain anonymous.
“Some take a final puff before boarding, others discreetly vape behind my seat, and a few even ask outright if they can vape in the car.”
Another private-hire driver, Mr. Cheng, had to ask a passenger to stop vaping in his vehicle.
“I informed him that vaping was not allowed in the car, and he apologized and complied. There wasn’t much else I could do,” said the 52-year-old.
Two other drivers, Mr. Richard Low and Mr. Tay, reported finding vapes left behind by passengers while cleaning their cars.
While Mr. Tay promptly disposed of the vape, Mr. Low kept it, unsure if it could be reclaimed by the passenger.
Given that vaping is illegal in Singapore, individuals caught with vapes or using them can face fines up to S$2,000 (US$1,490).
“I didn’t realize that keeping it could be considered illegal,” Mr. Low admitted.
All four drivers contacted by CNA noted an increase in passengers vaping in their cars recently. This trend mirrors a rise in vaping-related offenses in Singapore, which saw 8,000 incidents last year—43 percent more than the 5,600 reported in 2022.
Authorities are currently reviewing penalties for vaping. Those involved in importing, distributing, or selling vapes already face severe penalties, including possible jail time and fines exceeding S$2,000.
“I WON’T CONFRONT THEM”
A major concern for private-hire drivers is the risk of legal trouble if they fail to stop passengers from vaping or if they end up with vapes left behind in their cars.
Some drivers, like Michael, hesitate to address vaping passengers directly. “I avoid confronting them to prevent getting a ‘one star’ rating, which affects our incentives,” he explained.
Ride-hailing platforms typically offer financial incentives for drivers who meet ride targets, and poor ratings can disqualify drivers from these bonuses.
Mr. Cheng suggested that ride-hailing companies should provide clear guidelines on handling vaping passengers.
“I’m unsure if I’d be held responsible if I’m just driving and the passenger vapes behind me,” he said.
Ride-hailing companies have advised drivers to report, rather than dispose of, any vapes left behind.
Grab recommends that drivers photograph the vape and submit the image via its driver app.
“Following this, drivers should file a police report and provide a copy to Grab,” said a spokesperson. “We advise against immediate disposal as it could impede investigations.”
Gojek said its drivers are informed on the correct procedures for handling such incidents, including reporting illegal items.
TADA also urges drivers to hand over any suspected illegal items to the authorities.
Platforms have stated that they can take action against passengers who vape during rides. If passengers refuse to comply, Grab allows drivers to stop at a suitable location and ask them to leave the car. Drivers can also report vaping incidents via the Grab app.
Gojek emphasized that passengers must adhere to all applicable laws, and the company will take firm action against users who breach the law, including permanent suspension from the platform.
REPORT TO THE POLICE?
Are private-hire drivers legally required to report vaping passengers to the police? According to Mr. Alexander Woon, provost’s chair at the Singapore University of Social Sciences’ School of Law, the answer is no.
“There is no general obligation to report offenses in Singapore, except for certain serious crimes like violent or sexual offenses,” Mr. Woon explained.
“Drivers may choose to report an offense if they wish, but it is not mandatory,” added Mr. Woon, who is also a practicing lawyer with RHTLaw Asia.
Failure to stop someone from committing an offense, such as vaping, is not considered abetment.
“To be deemed abetment, the driver would need to incite, intentionally aid, or conspire with the passenger to commit the offense,” Mr. Woon noted.
If a driver is found with a vape left behind by a passenger, Mr. Woon suggested it could be challenging. The driver would need to prove that the vape belonged to the passenger.
“Evidence would be crucial, so drivers should try to provide proof that the passenger brought the vape into the vehicle,” he said.
Drivers facing potential legal issues should seek legal advice for their specific situation, he advised.