Rider Vaping a Kpod in Your Car? Here’s What to Do Immediately
The last thing you want while driving a trip is to hear a soft click… and see a puff of sweet-smelling vapour floating from the backseat.
Chances are, it’s a Kpod vape — the latest illegal device that’s been making waves in Singapore.
Here’s what every Grab, Gojek, and PHV driver needs to know if a rider starts vaping during your trip.
What is a Kpod and Why It’s Dangerous
Kpods are a type of disposable e-vaporiser, often laced with synthetic cannabinoids — man-made chemicals that mimic the effects of cannabis. These substances are highly dangerous and can cause:
- Rapid heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
They’re often flavoured and packaged attractively, but their contents are unknown and unregulated. Some users have been hospitalised after using Kpods.
Kpods are sold illegally through Telegram, social media, and word-of-mouth.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) have stepped up enforcement due to the serious health risks and potential for drug-related offences.
Delivering vape products — even if you’re just a runner — is also a serious crime. If you’re caught delivering or transporting vapes, you may face the same harsh penalties as someone selling them.
➡️ Vaping is destroying lives, and enforcement is only getting tougher.
Step-by-Step: What You Should Do
1. Ask the Rider to Stop Immediately
You have the right to stop any vaping or smoking in your car.
“Hi boss, sorry ah, no vaping in the car. It’s illegal in Singapore.”
Be firm but polite. Most riders will understand. If they refuse, you can choose to end the trip.
2. Report It to the App (Grab/Gojek)
Use the in-app help function:
- Go to Rider Issues > Illegal or Suspicious Behaviour
- Add a short note: “Rider vaped Kpod during trip.”
This protects you from any complaints later and flags the rider to the platform.
3. Don’t Keep the Vape
If the rider leaves the vape behind — do NOT keep it.
Possessing an illegal vape can get you fined up to $2,000, even if it’s not yours.
Instead:
- Take a photo of the item in your car
- Report it immediately to HSA or hand it in at the nearest police post
4. Report to HSA
If you witness vaping offences:
- Submit via: https://go.gov.sg/reportvape
- Or call the Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684 2036 or 6684 2037
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00am to 9:00pm, including weekends and public holidays
Include:
- Car plate
- Date and time
- Trip location (start or end point)
- Description of the incident
⛔ Penalties for Vaping in Singapore
- Up to $2,000 for possession or use of any vape
- Up to $10,000 fine and/or jail for selling/importing
- Drug-related charges if synthetic cannabinoids are involved
- Delivery riders and transporters can face equally harsh penalties
Even as a driver, if you’re found with a vape in your car, you may be held responsible if you don’t report it properly.
Final Advice
Your car is your office. Keeping it safe, legal, and clean isn’t just about comfort — it protects your license, your earnings, and your peace of mind.
If a rider tries to vape a Kpod in your car, take action fast, report clearly, and never keep the device. Let the authorities handle the rest.
Brought to you by Firstlane — Singapore’s voice for private-hire drivers.
