Rolls-Royce caught parked at a double yellow line, stirs divided public opinion

SINGAPORE: A Rolls-Royce owner’s apparent disregard for parking regulations has ignited a discussion about the growing trend of flouting traffic laws.

The incident was brought to light when a concerned citizen, known as “Joe,” shared an image of a Rolls-Royce car parked at a double yellow line, without specifying the location or time of the occurrence.

The image, which was sent to Stomp, a citizen journalism platform, raised questions about whether the affluent believe they are above the law.

Stomper Joe wrote: “Unfortunately a growing anti-social trend in Singapore, with no respect for our laws and rules. ‘I own a Rolls Royce so I can do anything I want. Only ordinary folks can’t park on yellow lines. But I can.'”

This statement underscores a growing perception of privilege among some luxury car owners in Singapore.

Online discourse over Rolls-Royce parking incident

The photo of the incident has divided public opinion.

Some argue that Stomper Joe may be motivated by envy, while the majority seem to take a more permissive view, contending that the potential consequences of parking on double yellow lines, such as receiving a parking ticket, are inconsequential to the owner of such a high-end vehicle.

“RR is not the first or only law breaker”

One user implies that it’s a common occurrence to witness various vehicles violating such laws, and the Rolls-Royce is by no means an exception in this regard.

One netizen pointed out, “Nobody said you cannot do it. Any car, for that matter. You just risk being summoned. In this case, it wouldn’t hurt the pocket in a single bit.”

This perspective highlights the perception that fines are merely a trivial inconvenience for individuals with substantial financial resources.

Another commenter noted the luxury car’s unique characteristics, stating, “With a single-digit plate number and a luxury car like that… yes, he can (park at double yellow lines.)

“Probably, a fine composition amount of his 1 minute salary,” hinting at the disparity in penalties’ impact based on one’s economic standing.

Allegedly, for the rich, a fine means “legal for a cost,” another user said. 

“He can afford a Rolls-Royce, I’m very sure he can afford to pay the fine,” the user added.

For parking a vehicle on a road with an unbroken yellow line or unbroken double yellow lines. The driver will be fined S$70 for a first-time offence and S$110 for a repeat offence. There is no demerit point deducted.

Another user presents an alternative viewpoint, suggesting that the car’s size and narrowness might make it challenging to fit into modern parking spaces, which could explain why it had to be parked elsewhere.

“Law should be amended so that the rich pay more fines”

Furthermore, an argument for modifying traffic laws was put forth by one commentator who argued, “The law should be amended so that the rich pay more fines for the same offense,” adding that “he intentionally parked there.”

One user emphasizes that no matter the type of vehicle, parking on yellow lines remains a violation of the law.

On the other hand, someone highlighted the absence of any action taken by the LTA and Traffic Police despite the clear visibility of the license plate number in the picture.

The user inquired, “what is your excuse for not issuing a ticket for this?”

The government could consider implementing a fine system proportionate to one’s income, similar to the model currently in use in Finland.