The Traffic Police arrested 17 motorists for drink-driving in an island-wide operation in the wee hours of Friday. They stopped a total of 47 motorists and tested them for alcohol consumption at road blocks across the island. Out of the group, 16 men and one woman aged between 25 and 62 failed the test and were arrested.

One driver had 89 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath - more than twice the prescribed legal limit of 35 micrograms.

If convicted, drink drivers will be banned from the roads for at least 12 months. They will lose their driver's license and must retake and pass the theory and practical driving tests before they are allowed to return to the roads.

First-time offenders can also be fined between $1,000 and $5,000, while repeat offenders may be fined up to $30,000, and sentenced to a mandatory jail term of up to three years. If they cause death or serious injury, they may also punished with up to six strokes of the cane.

In a media release, Commander of Traffic Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheang Keng Keong said the Traffic Police will continue conducting regular road blocks to deter and detect drink drivers.

"Every one of us has a part to play in making our roads safe in Singapore," he said. "For our loved ones and for your own safety and the safety of other road users, I urge every motorist never to attempt to drive after consuming alcohol."