5-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) The owner of the notorious “Polite Car” – a vehicle that bore an uncanny resemblance to a police patrol vehicle from a distance – has acquiesced to the authorities’ advice and removed most of the contentious livery adorning his vehicle.
The Singapore Police Force, in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, had issued a stern warning to the 32-year-old man on July 2, invoking the provisions of the Police Force Act 2004. This decisive action underscores the government’s resolute stance against any attempt to impersonate law enforcement officials or mislead the public.
Under the Police Force Act 2004, it is a punishable offense for individuals who are not police officers to wear or possess any police uniform or use police insignia, knowing that such actions may lead members of the public to believe they are law enforcement officials. Transgressors risk facing a potential jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to $2,500, or a combination of both penalties.
The saga of the “Polite Car” first came to light on June 18, when The Straits Times reported on a white multi-purpose vehicle adorned with decals bearing the word “polite” in place of “police.” Adding to the intrigue, scanning the QR code printed on the side of the car would redirect users to the website of an ice-cream shop owned by the vehicle’s proprietor.
The unconventional appearance of the “Polite Car” promptly captured the attention of motorists, who took to social media platforms like the SG Road Vigilante Facebook page to share photographs of the enigmatic vehicle. The online community was divided in its assessment, with some commending the ingenuity of the idea, while others decried it as an intentional attempt to mislead, given its striking resemblance to a police car.
In an earlier interview with The Straits Times, the car owner, Goh Yong Wei, had explained his rationale behind the provocative decals. As a businessman, he hoped that by pasting the decals on his Toyota Alphard, he could command greater attention from other motorists, prompting them to slow down and potentially avoiding collisions.
Goh’s affinity for unconventional vehicle customization was not a new phenomenon; he had previously owned a motorcycle adorned with white fairings – protective shells that aid aerodynamics – accentuated with blue and red stripes. This penchant for eye-catching modifications stemmed from his involvement in more than ten car and motorcycle accidents over the past four years, prompting him to explore novel approaches to enhance road safety and prevent future mishaps.
However, the authorities’ intervention and Goh’s subsequent compliance in removing the contentious livery have effectively put an end to the controversy surrounding the “Polite Car.” The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and adhering to the rule of law, underscoring the importance of responsible citizenship in maintaining public order and fostering a harmonious society.
