Singapore’s $100,000 Car Permit
common sense: good judgement; what is considered normal behavior by most people
In Singapore, a permit to own a car now costs over $100,000. This is separate from the cost of buying the car. This government fee only gives you the right to own a car. There are some benefits to these sky-high fees. Limiting the number of cars in the city encourages people to get more exercise and take public transport.
While this fee might seem outrageously high, there are high costs of driving in some other countries. In over 30 countries in Europe and Latin America, the fine for speeding tickets depends on your income. The more money you make, the higher the fine.
In the United States, it’s a different story. Everyone pays the same for a traffic ticket, no matter if they’re rich or poor. For some, this is a financial disaster. For others, it is nothing. Jeff Bezos famously collected $16,000 in parking tickets. In the US, parking tickets are often well below $100, and the average speeding ticket is $150. For a very rich person, paying a fine is easier than following the rules.
Contrast that with Finland, where a millionaire received a $103,000 speeding ticket. In Switzerland, a man in a Ferrari received a $290,000 fine! These types of fines make the punishment fit the person. Many countries think this is common sense and makes things fair for everyone.
Sample sentences
1. It is common sense to look both ways before crossing the street, so you can stay safe.
2. When lost, it’s common sense to ask for directions instead of wandering around.
3. Don’t blame the tour guide because you’re thirsty. Bringing water when you go mountain climbing is common sense.
Read More:
Can middle-class Singaporeans ‘afford it all’ as record high COE prices dash car ownership dreams?