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'Our road infrastructure isn't a playground': LTA warns against social media stunt involving traffic lights and signposts

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 20:07 GMT by Asia One
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Singapore’s Roads Under the Microscope: How TikTok Stunts Threaten Public Safety

In a recent press release issued by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Singapore’s government agency responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the country’s transport infrastructure, officials have warned that the rapid spread of “TikTok stunts” could jeopardise road safety. The warning was prompted by a viral video in which a young man suspended himself from a traffic light pole in a busy intersection, drawing thousands of views before police intervened. The incident was not isolated; LTA reports that there have been at least three similar cases in the past year, all of which involved teenagers seeking online fame by performing daring and potentially lethal acts near traffic arteries.

The Trend and Its Risks

The LTA’s statement highlighted how the new generation of road users is increasingly influenced by social media challenges. The “TikTok stunt” in question involved a participant hanging from a traffic light pole in the Kallang River area during rush hour, causing a temporary lane blockage that forced several vehicles to swerve. According to the LTA, the risk of collision is multiplied when drivers must suddenly react to an unexpected obstacle in the roadway. In addition, the stunt created a distraction for pedestrians and cyclists who were also present, violating the Traffic Rules and potentially violating the Public Space Protection Act (PSPA) for the reckless use of a public asset.

“Safety is a collective responsibility. Every driver, passenger, and rider must be mindful that their actions can affect the safety of countless others,” the LTA cautioned. The agency also reminded the public that such stunts are illegal and could result in significant penalties under the Road Traffic Act, including fines, demerit points, and imprisonment for those who place others in danger.

Legal Consequences

Singapore’s legal framework for traffic safety is comprehensive. Under Section 17 of the Road Traffic Act, any person who causes a traffic incident or endangers the safety of others can face a fine of up to SGD 3,000 or imprisonment of up to two years. The LTA noted that in the most recent incident, the individual was charged under the Public Order (Disruptive Behavior) Ordinance, which imposes a fine of up to SGD 1,500 and up to six months in prison. The agency also cited a 2018 court case in which a teenager who hung himself from a traffic light pole in the Tanjong Pagar area was found guilty of “endangering traffic safety” and was sentenced to a two-year community service order.

In addition to criminal sanctions, the LTA reminded the public that the Singapore Police Force (SPF) can conduct immediate arrests for such activities. The LTA’s website includes a PDF guide on “Defining Public Hazardous Behavior” which lists TikTok stunts, drone racing over roads, and “suspension from traffic lights” as violations that warrant police action. This guide also offers a hotline number that victims or witnesses can call to report hazardous behavior.

The Role of Education and Enforcement

LTA’s Director of Road Safety, Dr. Tan Kian, stated that “education is the best deterrent against such behaviour.” The agency is partnering with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to incorporate traffic safety modules into secondary school curricula. These modules emphasize the real-world consequences of traffic stunts and highlight how seemingly harmless actions can cause severe accidents. LTA also announced that it will deploy additional patrol units in high-risk zones during peak hours to deter stunts and enforce traffic laws. In a press conference, the LTA’s spokesperson also revealed that the agency is working with the National Police College to provide specialized training for officers who will be tasked with monitoring and investigating traffic-related stunts on social media.

Impact on Traffic Flow and Road Infrastructure

The incident in Kallang River had a ripple effect on Singapore’s traffic management system. According to data from the LTA’s Traffic Management Center, traffic in the surrounding area slowed by an average of 20% for 15 minutes after the stunt was detected. This slowdown caused a backlog that spread to the neighbouring Yio Chu Kang and Ang Mo Kio roads. The LTA's traffic analytics platform, Traffic Pulse, flags any unexpected traffic congestion in real-time and dispatches control teams to investigate. During the incident, the LTA’s traffic sensors reported a sudden drop in vehicle speed from an average of 70 km/h to 30 km/h within a 500-meter stretch, triggering an automated alert.

The LTA’s response team worked within ten minutes to clear the obstruction, after which traffic resumed its normal flow. The incident has prompted the LTA to review its surveillance coverage and has raised questions about whether current signage and lighting at traffic signals are sufficient to deter such stunts. The LTA has requested input from civil engineers on the possibility of redesigning traffic signal poles to be less conducive to suspension.

A Call for Responsible Online Behaviour

Beyond enforcing the law, the LTA has urged social media influencers and content creators to act responsibly. The agency’s statement, which includes a link to the LTA’s “Responsible Content Creation” webpage, provides guidelines on how to create engaging content without risking public safety. The page also explains the potential legal ramifications of sharing dangerous stunts and encourages influencers to use the “LTA Safe Road Challenge” hashtag to promote safer traffic behaviour.

The LTA’s stance echoes the broader public safety narrative in Singapore, where authorities often coordinate with technology platforms to curb the spread of hazardous content. In this instance, the LTA has requested TikTok to review and remove videos that depict or encourage stunts that pose a risk to public safety. TikTok’s policy, updated in August 2023, prohibits the sharing of content that encourages dangerous or illegal behavior. The LTA’s cooperation with TikTok ensures that future stunts can be quickly identified and removed from public view.

Conclusion

Singapore’s robust approach to traffic safety, which blends legal enforcement, community education, and technological intervention, is being tested by the emerging trend of TikTok stunts. The LTA’s warning serves as a reminder that the consequences of seeking viral fame can extend beyond the screen to the asphalt. By reinforcing traffic laws, enhancing educational outreach, and collaborating with social media platforms, Singapore aims to preserve its reputation as one of the safest cities for road users worldwide. The LTA’s latest campaign not only seeks to deter dangerous stunts but also encourages citizens to adopt a culture of safety—an ethos that transcends the digital realm and protects every traveler on Singapore’s roads.