Singapore can now fine bus passengers up to S$500 for playing audio out loud. Should the UK start fining people who play music or videos without headphones?

What happened

From 23 September 2026, bus passengers in Singapore can be fined up to S$500 for playing audio at loud volume or putting their feet on seats. More serious offences, such as obstruction, carry fines of up to S$5,000. Ticket inspectors and interchange staff can issue notices, and the authorities say they will use discretion for people with health conditions. In London, a TfL survey found 70% of 1,000 customers found loud music and phone calls without headphones disruptive, yet no one was fined for playing music out loud in 2024.

Why people disagree

Supporters say a clear fine backs up a standard most people already follow, and point to a Savanta poll in which 54% of people who regularly hear loud music on transport said they would not feel comfortable asking someone to turn it down. Critics say noise fines are hard to enforce fairly, risk drawing staff into confrontations, and that campaigns and ordinary social pressure work better than new penalties.

What's still unclear

It is too early to know whether Singapore's rules will change behaviour or how often fines will be issued. In the UK, it is unclear whether ministers will act on calls for a clearer national ban, or whether existing bylaws will simply be enforced more often.