Road Traffic Act 1961
2020 REVISED EDITION
This revised edition incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 December 2021 and comes into operation on 31 December 2021
An Act for the regulation of road traffic and the use of vehicles and the user of roads and for other purposes connected therewith.
[4/2006; 10/2017]
[1 January 1963: Sections 13 to 21;
23 November 1963: Sections 1 to 12, 22 to 78 and 80 to 90;
8 August 1985: Section 91, renumbered as section 147 in the 1985 Reprint of the Road Traffic Act]
Short title
1.  This Act is the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Interpretation
2.—(1)  In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires —
“Authority” means the Land Transport Authority of Singapore established under the Land Transport Authority of Singapore Act 1995;
“automated vehicle technology” means any particular technology that —
(a)relates to the design, construction or use of autonomous motor vehicles; or
(b)otherwise relates to advances in the design or construction of autonomous motor vehicles;
“autonomous motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle equipped wholly or substantially with an autonomous system (also commonly known as a driverless vehicle), and includes a trailer drawn by such a motor vehicle;
“autonomous system”, for a motor vehicle, means a system that enables the operation of the motor vehicle without the active physical control of, or monitoring by, a human operator;
“bicycle” means a vehicle that —
(a)has 2 wheels held one behind the other in a frame;
(b)is steered by handlebars attached to the front wheel;
(c)has pedals; and
(d)is built to be propelled solely by human power;
“carriage of goods” includes the haulage of goods;
“cart” includes a wagon, handcart or trolley used or constructed for the carriage of goods;
“Commissioner of Police” means the public officer appointed under section 6(1) of the Police Force Act 2004;
“company” means any company as defined in the Companies Act 1967 and includes any company to which Division 2 of Part 11 of that Act applies, any company formed pursuant to any other Act or by royal charter or letters patent, a limited liability partnership and any other body corporate formed or incorporated by or under any written law;
“competency test certificate”, for a class or description of test‑needed‑to‑ride‑on‑road vehicle, means —
(a)for any road-only PAB — a certificate granted under section 47H(1) certifying that an individual has passed the prescribed test of competence for that class or description of power‑assisted bicycle; or
(b)for any other test‑needed-to‑ride‑on‑road vehicle, which is either a bicycle or power‑assisted bicycle — a certificate granted under section 23F of the Active Mobility Act 2017 certifying that an individual has passed the test of competence prescribed under that Act for that class or description of bicycle or power‑assisted bicycle;
“Deputy Commissioner of Police”, in relation to any provision of this Act or rules or any other subsidiary legislation made under this Act, means the Deputy Commissioner of Police designated by the Commissioner of Police for the purposes of that provision, and includes any police officer who —
(a)is not below the rank of sergeant; and
(b)is authorised under the hand of the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the purposes of that provision, to exercise the powers of that Deputy Commissioner of Police;
“de‑registered vehicle” means a vehicle the registration of which has been cancelled by the Registrar under section 27(1);
“diameter”, in relation to the wheel of a vehicle or trailer, means the overall diameter measured between the 2 opposite points on the surface of a tyre which are furthest apart;
“driver”  —
(a)in relation to a trailer, includes a driver of a vehicle by which the trailer is drawn, and “drive” is to be construed accordingly;
(b)where a separate person acts as a steersman of a motor vehicle, includes that person as well as any other person engaged in the driving of the vehicle, and “drive” is to be construed accordingly; and
(c)includes the rider of a bicycle and any person propelling a tricycle or trishaw or pushing or pulling a cart, and “drive” is to be construed accordingly;
“driving licence” means a licence to drive a motor vehicle granted under the provisions of Part 2;
“exempt ride‑hail service operator” has the meaning given by the Point‑to‑Point Passenger Transport Industry Act 2019;
“fare”, in relation to a public service vehicle, includes —
(a)the amount of any rate, fee, levy and charge and any other valuable consideration (however described) for a journey by the public service vehicle; and
(b)the provision of, or arrangements for, a discount, concession, allowance, rebate or credit applying in relation to any amount in paragraph (a);
“foreign driving licence” means a driving licence or permit (not being a provisional driving licence or permit) issued by a competent authority in another country between which and Singapore there is in force a treaty for the recognition of driving licences or permits issued in the countries which are parties to the treaty;
“goods” includes goods or burden of any description;
“goods vehicle” means a motor vehicle constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of goods or a trailer so constructed or adapted;
“Minister” means —
(a)except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), the Minister charged with the responsibility for land transport;
(b)for the purposes of the whole of Parts 2 and 3 and sections 75(1), 82, 112(1), (3) and (4), 113(1) and (2), 114(1), 116(2), 121(2) and 143(3) and (11), the Minister charged with the responsibility for law and order; and
(c)for the purposes of sections 131B(7), 135(2), 140(1) and (2), 142 and 142A(1), the Minister charged with the responsibility for land transport or the Minister charged with the responsibility for law and order, as appropriate;
“mobility scooter” and “motorised wheelchair” have the meanings given by the Active Mobility Act 2017;
“motor fuel” has the meaning given by the Customs Act 1960;
“motor vehicle” means a vehicle that —
(a)is propelled wholly or partly by a motor or by any means other than human or animal power; and
(b)is used or intended to be used on any road;
“on‑demand passenger transport service” and “on‑demand ride booking service” have the meanings given by the Point‑to‑Point Passenger Transport Industry Act 2019;
“outsourced enforcement officer”, in relation to any provision of this Act or subsidiary legislation made under this Act, means an individual who —
(a)is appointed under section 11 of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore Act 1995;
(b)is authorised by or under that Act to exercise any powers under any provision of this Act or subsidiary legislation made under this Act, as the case may be; and
(c)is acting within that authorisation;
“owner”, in relation to a vehicle which is the subject of a hiring agreement or hire purchase agreement, means the person in possession of the vehicle under that agreement;
“paid driver” means a person who drives a motor vehicle in return for a salary or other remuneration;
“park” means to bring a motor vehicle or a trailer to a stationary position and cause it to wait for any purpose other than that of immediately taking up or setting down persons, goods or luggage;
“parking place” has the meaning given by the Parking Places Act 1974;
“participate”, in relation to an autonomous motor vehicle trial regulated under section 6C, means —
(a)undertake the trial; or
(b)operate an autonomous motor vehicle in the trial;
“personal mobility device” has the meaning given by the Active Mobility Act 2017;
“police officer” includes any person employed for police duties in the Singapore Police Force constituted under the Police Force Act 2004;
“power‑assisted bicycle” means a bicycle that —
(a)is equipped with an electric motor; and
(b)may be propelled by human power or by the electric motor with which it is equipped, or by both;
“prescribed test of competence”, in relation to riding a test‑needed‑to‑ride‑on‑road vehicle on a road, means —
(a)for any road‑only PAB — a test of subject matter prescribed by rules made under section 48 to test an individual’s knowledge of safe driving or riding practices and law on public paths and roads; or
(b)for any other test‑needed-to‑ride‑on‑road vehicle — a test of subject matter prescribed by regulations made under the Active Mobility Act 2017 to test, for the purposes of Division 2A of Part 3 of that Act, an individual’s knowledge of safe driving or riding practices and law on public paths and roads;
“public place” means any place or premises, whether privately owned or not, to which the general public or any section of the general public is permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise;
“public service vehicle” means a vehicle used or kept for use for the carriage, for hire or reward, of —
(a)in the case of a motor car which does not ply for hire on any road but is hired under a contract, express or implied, for the use of the car as a whole, the driver of the car or any passenger; or
(b)in any other case, any passenger,
but excludes any vehicle constructed for use on fixed rails or specially prepared ways;
“registered medical practitioner” has the meaning given by the Medical Registration Act 1997;
“Registrar” means the Registrar of Vehicles or the Deputy Registrar or an assistant registrar appointed under section 9;
“replacement vehicle” means a vehicle to which a permit issued under section 10A for another vehicle has been transferred pursuant to rules made under section 10A(4)(ha);
“ride‑hail service” has the meaning given by the Point‑to‑Point Passenger Transport Industry Act 2019;
“road” means any public road and any other road to which the public has access, and includes —
(a)any road within Pulau Bukom;
(b)any road within the limits of any installation of the Singapore Armed Forces declared by the Minister by notification in the Gazette to be an installation to which this Act applies;
(c)any bridge over which a road passes; and
(d)any road, to which the public does not have access, which the Minister charged with the responsibility for transport prescribes, by notification in the Gazette, to be a road to which this Act applies;
“road‑only PAB” means a power‑assisted bicycle that —
(a)is within a class or description that is prescribed in rules made under section 48 for the purposes of section 47G(1); and
(b)is not intended for use on any public path within the meaning of the Active Mobility Act 2017;
“rules” means rules made under this Act;
“security officer” means a licensed security officer within the meaning of the Private Security Industry Act 2007 who is authorised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police or the Authority (as appropriate) under section 142B to regulate traffic under any provision of this Act;
“street‑hail service” has the meaning given by the Point‑to‑Point Passenger Transport Industry Act 2019;
“street‑hail service licence” means a street‑hail service licence granted under the Point‑to‑Point Passenger Transport Industry Act 2019 to provide a street‑hail service;
“street‑hail service licensee” means a person to whom a street‑hail service licence is granted (on renewal or otherwise) or deemed granted under the Point‑to‑Point Passenger Transport Industry Act 2019;
“test authority”, for a class or description of a road‑only PAB, means an individual designated by the Minister charged with the responsibility for law and order to be a test authority for that class or description of test‑needed‑to‑ride‑on‑road vehicle;
“test‑needed‑to‑ride‑on‑road vehicle” means —
(a)a bicycle or power‑assisted bicycle within a class or description of bicycle or power‑assisted bicycle that is prescribed for the purposes of Division 2A of Part 3 of the Active Mobility Act 2017; or
(b)a road‑only PAB;
“trailer” means a vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle;
“tricycle” means a vehicle with 3 wheels that —
(a)has pedals;
(b)is built to be propelled solely by human power by use of those pedals; and
(c)is constructed or adapted for the carriage of goods only;
“use” means use on a road;
“vehicle” means any vehicle whether mechanically propelled or otherwise;
“weight unladen” means the weight of a vehicle inclusive of the body and all parts (the heavier being taken where alternative bodies or parts are used) which are necessary to or ordinarily used with the vehicle when working on a road but exclusive of any driver or attendant.
[24/2010; 25/2011; 7/2012; 37/2012; 23/2013; 28/2014; 31/2015; 3/2017; 10/2017; 38/2018; 2/2019; 20/2019; 12/2021]
(2)  For the purposes of this Act, except section 38, a person is a resident of Singapore, or is deemed to have taken up residence in Singapore, if the person resides in Singapore for a continuous period of 6 months and any temporary period or periods of absence during that period of 6 months is immaterial.
[24/2010]
PART 1
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES
Vehicles to which this Part applies
3.  Subject to section 33, this Part applies to all vehicles and trailers.
Classification of motor vehicles
4.—(1)  For the purposes of this Act, motor vehicles are divided into the following classes:
(a)heavy locomotives; that is to say, motor vehicles which are not constructed themselves to carry any load (other than water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment and materials used for the purpose of propulsion, loose tools and loose equipment) and the weight of which unladen exceeds 11,500 kilograms;
(b)light locomotives; that is to say, motor vehicles which are not constructed themselves to carry any load (other than any of the articles specified in paragraph (a)) and the weight of which unladen does not exceed 11,500 kilograms but exceeds 7,250 kilograms;
(c)motor tractors; that is to say, motor vehicles which are not constructed themselves to carry any load (other than any of the articles specified in paragraph (a)) and the weight of which unladen does not exceed 7,250 kilograms;
(d)heavy motor cars; that is to say, motor vehicles (not being vehicles classified under this section as motor cars) which are constructed themselves to carry a load or passengers and the weight of which unladen exceeds 2,500 kilograms;
(e)motor cars; that is to say, motor vehicles (not being vehicles classified under this section as motor cycles) which are constructed themselves to carry a load or passengers and the weight of which unladen —
(i)does not exceed 3,000 kilograms in the case of motor vehicles which are —
(A)constructed solely for the carriage of passengers and their effects;
(B)adapted to carry not more than 7 passengers exclusive of the driver; and
(C)fitted with tyres of the prescribed type; and
(ii)in any other case does not exceed 2,500 kilograms;
(f)motor cycles and power‑assisted bicycles; that is to say, motor vehicles with less than 4 wheels and the weight of which unladen does not exceed 400 kilograms;
(g)invalid carriages; that is to say, motor vehicles which are specially designed and constructed and not merely adapted for the use of persons suffering from some physical disability and are used solely by those persons and the weight of which unladen does not exceed 250 kilograms.
[3/2017]
(2)  The Authority may make rules for subdividing any class of motor vehicles whether according to weight, construction, nature of tyres, use or otherwise and making different provision with respect to each subdivision and varying in respect of any class the maximum or minimum weight fixed by this section.
(3)  Any reference in this Part to a class of motor vehicles includes a reference to any subdivision of such a class.
(4)  For the purposes of this Part —
(a)in any case where a motor vehicle is so constructed that a trailer may by partial superimposition be attached to the vehicle in such manner as to cause a substantial part of the weight of the trailer to be borne by the vehicle, that vehicle is deemed to be a vehicle itself constructed to carry a load;
(b)in the case of a motor vehicle fitted with a crane, dynamo, welding plant or other special appliance or apparatus which is a permanent or essentially permanent fixture, the appliance or apparatus is not to be deemed to constitute a load but is deemed to form part of the vehicle; and
(c)a side-car attached to a motor cycle is, if it complies with the prescribed conditions, to be regarded as forming part of the vehicle to which it is attached and not as being a trailer.
Prohibition of vehicles not complying with rules as to construction, etc.
5.—(1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act, it is not lawful to use a vehicle or trailer which does not comply with the rules as to construction, weight and equipment applicable to the class or description of vehicles to which the vehicle or trailer belongs.
(2)  The Authority may, by notification in the Gazette, authorise, subject to any restrictions and conditions that may be specified in the notification, the use of special vehicles or trailers or special types of vehicles or trailers which are constructed either for special purposes or for tests or trials and of new or improved types of vehicles or trailers whether wheeled or wheel-less.
(3)  The Authority may at any time revoke, vary or amend a notification made under this section.
(3A)  Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to or in relation to the use of wholly or substantially autonomous motor vehicles operated with automated vehicle technology.
[10/2017]
(4)  Subject to this section, it is not lawful to sell or to supply or to offer to sell or supply a vehicle or trailer for delivery in such a condition that the use thereof in that condition would be unlawful by virtue of this section.
(5)  A person who alters (whether in the course of repair or otherwise) a vehicle or trailer so as to render its condition such that the use of the vehicle or trailer in that condition would be unlawful by virtue of this section, shall be guilty of an offence.
[10/2017]
(5A)  It is presumed, until the contrary is proved, that a person alters (whether in the course of repair or otherwise) a vehicle or trailer as to render its condition such that the use of the vehicle or trailer in that condition would be unlawful by virtue of this section (called in this section non‑compliant) if it is proved —
(a)that the accused had possession of the vehicle or trailer;
(b)that the vehicle or trailer was not non‑compliant when the accused acquired possession of it; and
(c)that at that time or soon after the vehicle or trailer (as the case may be) ceased to be in the accused’s possession, the vehicle or trailer is non‑compliant.
[10/2017]
(5B)  In this section, “alter” includes causing or authorising a person to alter, and offering to alter.
[10/2017]
(6)  If a vehicle or trailer is used or is sold, supplied, offered or altered in contravention of this section, any person who so uses the vehicle or trailer or causes or permits the vehicle or trailer to be so used or so sells, supplies, offers or alters it or causes or permits it to be so sold, supplied, offered or altered shall be guilty of an offence.
(7)  Any person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (5) or (6) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
[10/2017]
(7AA)  Despite subsection (7), where the vehicle involved in an offence is a power-assisted bicycle, then a person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (5) or (6) shall be liable on conviction —
(a)where the person is an individual —
(i)to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 24 months or to both; but
(ii)where the individual is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $40,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 48 months or to both; or
(b)in any other case —
(i)to a fine not exceeding $40,000; but
(ii)where the person is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $80,000.
[9/2020]
(7A)  Where in any proceedings relating to an offence under subsection (6), it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that a vehicle or trailer is used or caused or permitted to be used in contravention of this section, the court may, upon the application of the Public Prosecutor, make an order for the vehicle or trailer to be detained for a period not exceeding 3 months (called in this section the detention period) by the Registrar or an authorised officer.
[37/2012]
(7B)  Any vehicle or trailer detained pursuant to subsection (7A) must be kept at such place of safety as may be determined by the Registrar or an authorised officer.
[37/2012]
(7C)  The Registrar or an authorised officer shall not be liable for —
(a)any damage to or loss of a vehicle or trailer during the period when the vehicle or trailer is in the possession of the Registrar or the authorised officer which is not wilfully or negligently caused by the Registrar or the authorised officer in the exercise of his or her powers under this section; or
(b)any depreciation in the value of the vehicle or trailer because of the detention of the vehicle or trailer.
[37/2012]
(7D)  At the end of the detention period of any vehicle or trailer, the Registrar or an authorised officer must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the person in whose name the vehicle or trailer is registered that the vehicle or trailer is released from detention and of the procedure by which the person may secure the release of the vehicle or trailer.
[37/2012]
(7E)  If the vehicle or trailer is not claimed by the person notified under subsection (7D), or another person authorised in writing by that person, within 3 calendar days after the date of its release as stated in the notice in subsection (7D), the person notified under that subsection shall be liable for all charges reasonably incurred by the Registrar or an authorised officer in storing the vehicle or trailer in the place of safety thereafter.
[37/2012]
(7F)  Any person who, without lawful authority, removes or causes to be removed any vehicle or trailer from the place of safety at which it is detained during its detention period shall be guilty of an offence.
[37/2012]
(7G)  If any vehicle or trailer detained pursuant to subsection (7A) is not claimed by or on behalf of the person notified under subsection (7D), the Registrar or an authorised officer may, after giving one month’s notice in the Gazette of his or her intention to do so, sell the vehicle or trailer by public auction or otherwise dispose of the vehicle or trailer in any manner that he or she thinks fit.
[37/2012]
(7H)  The proceeds (if any) from the sale or disposal of any such vehicle or trailer under subsection (7G) must be applied —
(a)firstly, in payment of any licence fee which may be due in respect of the vehicle or trailer;
(b)secondly, in payment of expenses occasioned by the sale or disposal and any charges reasonably incurred in storing, detaining or otherwise carrying out the provisions of this section; and
(c)thirdly, any damage caused to any property of the Government by the unlawful use of the vehicle or trailer,
and the surplus (if any) must be paid to the person in whose name the vehicle or trailer was registered at the time of its sale or disposal or, if not claimed by such person within 12 months after the date of the sale or disposal, is forfeited to the Government.
[37/2012]
(7I)  The Registrar or an authorised officer may reject any transfer of ownership or cancellation of registration of a vehicle or trailer if the Registrar or the authorised officer has reason to believe that any person is guilty of an offence under subsection (6).
[37/2012]
(8)  In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (6) in respect of the sale, supply, offer or alteration of a vehicle or trailer, it is a defence to any prosecution for an offence under this section, if the accused proves, on a balance of probabilities, that —
(a)a contract or arrangement has been entered into, or an understanding has been arrived at, for the non‑compliant vehicle or trailer to be exported (whether or not the accused is a party to that contract, arrangement or understanding);
(b)the accused sells the non‑compliant vehicle or trailer in the course of, or for the purpose of, the non‑compliant vehicle or trailer being exported; and
(c)the accused does not offer that non‑compliant vehicle or trailer for sale in Singapore and the sale is not a retail sale.
[3/2017]
(9)  It is also a defence to any prosecution for an offence under this section, if the accused proves, on a balance of probabilities, that —
(a)the accused had received from the person to whom the non‑compliant vehicle or trailer was sold, evidence purporting to show that the person does not intend to use the vehicle or trailer on any road; and
(b)it was reasonable to, and the accused did accept, that evidence as correct.
[3/2017]
(10)  In this section —
“authorised officer” means any employee of the Authority who is duly authorised by the Registrar in writing to act under this section;
“non‑compliant vehicle or trailer” means a vehicle or trailer which does not comply with the rules as to construction, weight and equipment applicable to the class or description of vehicles to which the vehicle or trailer belongs;
“repeat offender”, for an offence under subsection (5) or (6) involving a power-assisted bicycle read with subsection (7AA), means a person who —
(a)is convicted, or found guilty, of such an offence (called the current offence); and
(b)has been convicted or found guilty (whether before, on or after 3 April 2020) of an offence under subsection (5) or (6) (whether involving a power‑assisted bicycle) on at least one other earlier occasion within the period of 5 years immediately before the date on which the person is convicted or found guilty of the current offence.
[3/2017; 9/2020]
No riding of personal mobility devices, etc., on roads
5A.—(1)  An individual must not ride a personal mobility device or drive a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair on a road at any time.
[3/2017; 38/2018]
(2)  However, subsection (1) does not apply to an individual who is crossing a road in or on a personal mobility device, a mobility scooter or a motorised wheelchair —
(a)if the individual crosses the road by the shortest safe route, and does not stay on the road longer than necessary to cross the road safely; or
(b)if —
(i)there is, in the case of a rider of a personal mobility device, an obstruction on a shared path or footpath (within the meaning of the Active Mobility Act 2017) adjacent to the road (called an adjacent area), or there is an obstruction on any public path (within the meaning of that Act) adjacent to the road (also called an adjacent area) in the case of a driver of a mobility scooter or a motorised wheelchair;
(ii)it is impracticable to travel on the adjacent area; and
(iii)the individual travels no more than reasonably necessary along the road to avoid the obstruction.
[3/2017; 38/2018]
(3)  An individual who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a)to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both; and
(b)if the individual is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
[3/2017]
No riding of personal mobility device, etc., when towed by motor vehicle
5B.—(1)  An individual must not ride a personal mobility device or drive a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair on a road at any time while the individual riding the personal mobility device, or driving the mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair, is towed by a motor vehicle or is otherwise holding on to a motor vehicle.
[38/2018]
(2)  An individual who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a)to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both; and
(b)if the individual is a repeat offender, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
[3/2017]
Rules as to use and construction of vehicles
6.—(1)  The Authority may make rules generally as to the use of vehicles and trailers, their construction and equipment and the conditions under which they may be used and, in particular, may make rules —
(a)to regulate the width, height, wheel base, length and overhang of vehicles and trailers and the load carried thereby, the diameter of wheels and the width, nature and condition of tyres of vehicles and trailers and to prohibit the use of any tyres likely to cause damage to the roads;
(b)to prohibit excessive noise due to the design or condition of the motor vehicle or trailer or the loading thereof;
(c)to regulate the maximum weight unladen of heavy locomotives and heavy motor cars and the maximum weight laden of motor vehicles and trailers and the maximum weight to be transmitted to the road or any specified area thereof by a motor vehicle or trailer of any class or description or by any part or parts of the vehicle or trailer in contact with the road and the conditions under which the weights may be required to be tested;
(d)to prescribe the particulars to be marked on vehicles and trailers;
(e)to specify the number and nature of springs and brakes on vehicles and trailers and to secure that springs, brakes, silencers and steering gear are efficient and kept in proper working order and for empowering any person or classes of persons named or described in those rules to test and inspect those springs, brakes, silencers and steering gear on a road or, subject to the consent of the occupier of the premises, on any premises;
(f)to regulate the appliances to be fitted —
(i)for signalling the approach of a vehicle or enabling the driver of a motor vehicle to become aware of the approach of another vehicle from the rear;
(ii)for intimating any intended change of speed or direction of a motor vehicle; or
(iii)for measuring or indicating or measuring and indicating the amount of motor fuel in any fuel tank of a motor vehicle,
and to regulate or prohibit the use of any such appliance and to secure that they are efficient and kept in proper working order;
(g)to regulate the lights to be carried by vehicles and trailers whether in respect of the nature of such lights, the positions in which they must be fixed and the periods during which they must be lighted or otherwise;
(h)to prescribe the safety equipment to be installed in vehicles;
(i)to control, in connection with the use of a motor vehicle, the emission of smoke, oily substance, ashes, water, steam, visible vapour, noxious fumes, sparks, cinders, gas or grit;
(j)to regulate the towing or drawing of vehicles by motor vehicles and the manner of attachments;
(k)to prohibit in connection with the use of a motor vehicle the use of any appliance or the commission of any act which is likely to cause annoyance or danger;
(l)to regulate the number of trailers that may be attached in train to any motor vehicle, the manner of attachment and the manner in which the trailers are kept under control and the maximum weight thereof;
(m)to prescribe the number of persons to be employed in driving or attending motor vehicles or trailers and to regulate the duties and conduct of those persons;
(n)to prescribe a maximum speed for motor vehicles of any class or description and to provide for exemption in special cases; and
(o)to regulate or prohibit either generally or in specified areas or roads and either at all times or between specified hours the use of horns or other warning appliances.
[25/2011]
(2)  The Authority may make different rules for different classes or descriptions of vehicles for the same class or description of vehicles in different circumstances.
(3)  The Authority may by such rules confer on the Registrar or an authorised officer a discretion to waive, in any particular case, the operation of any rules made under this section subject to any conditions that the Registrar or the authorised officer may impose.
[37/2012]
(4)  In this section, “authorised officer” means any employee of the Authority, or any other person, who is duly authorised by the Registrar in writing to carry out any particular function or to exercise any particular power under any rules made under this section.
[37/2012]
Alteration of fuel-measuring equipment
6A.—(1)  A person must not alter the fuel-measuring equipment of a motor vehicle for the purpose of preventing the fuel-measuring equipment from duly measuring or indicating the quantity of motor fuel in any fuel supply tank of the motor vehicle.
[25/2011]
(2)  Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.
(3)  Where there is found any artificial or mechanical means which, either alone or in conjunction with additional artificial or mechanical means not found, could be used for altering or facilitating the alteration of the index of the fuel-measuring equipment, or which would make the fuel-measuring equipment false or unjust in measuring or indicating the quantity of motor fuel in any fuel supply tank of that motor vehicle, the person having custody or control of the motor vehicle at the time the artificial or mechanical means are found is presumed, until the contrary is proved, to have abetted the alteration of the fuel-measuring equipment in contravention of subsection (1).
[25/2011]
(4)  In this section and section 6B, “fuel-measuring equipment”, in relation to a motor vehicle, means any instrument or appliance, or a combination of instruments or appliances, capable of or constructed for measuring or indicating or measuring and indicating the quantity of motor fuel in any fuel supply tank of the motor vehicle and includes in particular any fuel gauge or fuel sensoring device.
[25/2011; 23/2013]
Leaving Singapore in motor vehicle with altered fuel‑measuring equipment
6B.—(1)  Any person, being in charge of a motor vehicle, who leaves or attempts to leave Singapore in the motor vehicle knowing that the fuel‑measuring equipment of the motor vehicle has been altered for the purpose of preventing it from duly measuring or indicating the quantity of motor fuel in any fuel supply tank of the motor vehicle shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.
[23/2013]
(2)  In proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), it is presumed until the contrary is proved —
(a)that the person in charge of a motor vehicle has attempted to leave Singapore in the motor vehicle if the motor vehicle is driven past the Customs gantry before the departure bay of the Immigration Checkpoint at any place prescribed for the purposes of section 136 of the Customs Act 1960; and
(b)that the person in charge of a motor vehicle knew that the fuel‑measuring equipment of the motor vehicle has been altered for the purpose of preventing it from duly measuring or indicating the quantity of motor fuel in the fuel supply tank if there is found in the motor vehicle or on him or her, at the time he or she leaves or attempts to leave Singapore in the motor vehicle, any artificial or mechanical means which, either alone or in conjunction with additional artificial or mechanical means (whether or not found) —
(i)could be used for altering or facilitating the alteration of the index of the fuel‑measuring equipment of the motor vehicle; or
(ii)would make the fuel‑measuring equipment false or unjust in measuring or indicating the quantity of motor fuel in any fuel supply tank of the motor vehicle.
[23/2013]
Trials and use of autonomous motor vehicles, etc.
6C.—(1)  The Minister may make rules to —
(a)provide for the regulation by the Authority of —
(i)the undertaking of any trial of automated vehicle technology or an autonomous motor vehicle on any road (called in this section and sections 6D and 6E an approved trial), despite section 5; or
(ii)the use on a road of an autonomous motor vehicle (called in this section and sections 6D and 6E an approved special use), despite section 5;
(b)require the person authorised under the rules to undertake the approved trial or carry out the approved special use (called in this section and section 6D the specified person) —
(i)to have in place liability insurance before the approved trial or approved special use starts, and to ensure that it is in force at all times during the period of the approved trial or approved special use; or
(ii)to deposit with the Authority a security of a type, and of an amount not lower than an amount, prescribed in those rules;
(c)require the specified person to cause to be published (at the person’s cost), before the approved trial or approved special use starts, a notice about the approved trial or approved special use, in a manner as will secure adequate publicity for the approved trial or approved special use, including —
(i)the area or areas of Singapore in which the trial or special use is approved to be undertaken or carried out;
(ii)the period during which the trial or special use is approved to take place; and
(iii)the name of each person participating in the approved trial or who may carry out the approved special use;
(d)provide for grant of an authorisation by the Authority to the specified person to undertake an approved trial or carry out an approved special use to be subject to conditions, and for the modification of those conditions by the Authority from time to time after affording the specified person concerned a reasonable opportunity to be heard;
(e)limit the period that an approved trial or approved special use may be undertaken or carried out;
(f)prescribe the weather and any climatic or other circumstances when an approved trial or approved special use may or may not be undertaken or carried out, as the case may be;
(g)prescribe the construction, design or use of infrastructure technology, equipment or devices in relation to the autonomous motor vehicle or automated vehicle technology involved in the approved trial or approved special use, including requiring that the vehicle —
(i)be equipped to capture and store sensor data and video footage from the vehicle; and
(ii)have a failure alert system that allows a specified person or participant in the approved trial or approved special use to take immediate manual control of the vehicle when a failure of the autonomous system or other emergency is detected;
(h)prescribe the use of the autonomous motor vehicles in the approved trial or approved special use, and their construction, design and equipment, for the safety of other road users or for public safety or both;
(i)require the keeping of records by the specified person, and the giving of information to the Authority or any other person designated by the Authority (such as sensor data and video footage from the autonomous motor vehicle) about the approved trial or approved special use undertaken or carried out, including the automated vehicle technology involved in the trial or special use;
(j)provide the grounds under which any authorisation granted under the rules to undertake an approved trial or carry out an approved special use may be cancelled in whole or part, or suspended in whole or part, after affording the specified person concerned a reasonable opportunity to be heard unless it is not practicable or desirable to do so in the circumstances of the case, including if —
(i)the Authority is of the opinion that it is no longer in the public interest for the approved trial or approved special use to continue; or
(ii)the specified person authorised to undertake the approved trial or carry out the approved special use contravenes or has contravened, or fails or has failed to comply with, a condition of its authorisation, a condition of an exemption contained in the rules or any other provision in the rules;
(k)provide for a right to appeal to the Minister (whose decision on appeal is final) against any decision made by the Authority under the rules cancelling or suspending any authorisation granted under the rules to undertake an approved trial or carry out an approved special use, and the procedure for those appeals;
(l)prescribe the fees (either by specifying amounts or by prescribing a method of calculation) in relation to applications or requests to, or the doing of anything by, the Authority under the rules made under this section;
(m)provide that any contravention of any provision of the rules made under this section shall be an offence punishable with a fine not exceeding $10,000; and
(n)prescribe any saving and transitional provisions that may be necessary or expedient.
[10/2017]
(2)  In making any rules under this section for an approved trial or approved special use, the Minister must take reasonable steps to prevent information —
(a)that is commercially sensitive in nature; and
(b)that is the subject of a request to the Minister by a person connected with the approved trial or approved special use, or the proposed approved trial or proposed approved special use, for the information to be kept confidential,
from being published or otherwise made public under this Part.
[10/2017]
(3)  This section and all rules made under this section continue in force until the end of 24 August 2027.
[12/2021]
(4)  The Minister may at any time before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (3), revoke or amend any rules made under this section and without affording anyone prior opportunity to be heard.
[10/2017]
(5)  All rules made under this section must be presented to Parliament as soon as possible after publication in the Gazette.
[10/2017]
(6)  In this section, “liability insurance”, in relation to an approved trial or approved special use, means a policy of insurance indemnifying the owner and any authorised driver or operator of a vehicle or trailer used in that trial or special use —
(a)in relation to death or bodily injury caused by, or arising out of, the use of the vehicle or trailer on a road; and
(b)in relation to damage to property caused by, or arising out of, the use of the vehicle or trailer on a road.
[10/2017]
Exemptions and modified application of laws to approved trials and special uses
6D.—(1)  Rules made under section 6C for an approved trial or an approved special use may, for the purpose of that trial or special use —
(a)exempt (with or without conditions) from the application of section 5 or other specified provisions of this Act or its subsidiary legislation, or any other applicable written law, any of the following:
(i)the specified person authorised to undertake the approved trial or carry out the approved special use;
(ii)any other person or class of persons participating in the approved trial or carrying out the approved special use;
(iii)any vehicle or trailer used in the approved trial or approved special use; and
(b)provide for the application of specified provisions of this Act or its subsidiary legislation, or any other applicable written law, affecting —
(i)the specified person authorised to undertake the approved trial or carry out the approved special use;
(ii)any other person or class of persons participating in the approved trial or carrying out the approved special use; or
(iii)any vehicle or trailer used in the approved trial or approved special use,
with prescribed exceptions, modifications and adaptations.
[10/2017; 20/2019]
(2)  Where a provision of this Act or its subsidiary legislation mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) is not a law which the Minister is charged with the responsibility for, the Minister must consult with the Minister charged with the responsibility for law and order before granting the exemption or modifying the provision, as the case may be.
[10/2017]
(3)  If a person contravenes or fails to comply with a condition of an exemption contained in any rules made under section 6C, the exemption does not, while the contravention or non‑compliance continues, operate in that person’s favour.
[10/2017]
(4)  If, by virtue of subsection (3), a person is guilty of an offence under a provision of this Act or its subsidiary legislation from which the person was exempted by an exemption, the person may be proceeded against for that offence.
[10/2017]
(5)  In this section, “other applicable written law” means —
(a)the Bus Services Industry Act 2015;
(b)the Motor Vehicles (Third‑Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960;
(c)the Point‑to‑Point Passenger Transport Industry Act 2019; or
(d)the Public Transport Council Act 1987.
[20/2019]
Interfering with autonomous motor vehicle trial, etc.
6E.—(1)  A person who, without reasonable excuse —
(a)hinders or obstructs an approved trial or the carrying out of an approved special use; or
(b)interferes with any equipment or device in or on an autonomous motor vehicle, or relating to any automated vehicle technology, used in an approved trial or approved special use,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.
[10/2017]
(2)  In proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), it is a defence for the defendant to prove, on a balance of probabilities, that the defendant did not know, and could not reasonably have known, that the activity that caused the hindrance, obstruction or interference would cause the hindrance, obstruction or interference, as the case may be.
[10/2017]
(3)  To avoid doubt, this section does not affect the operation of the Computer Misuse Act 1993.
[10/2017; 9/2018]
Savings
7.  Nothing in this Part authorises any person to use any vehicle or trailer so constructed or used as to cause a public or private nuisance or be deemed to affect the liability by virtue of any act or otherwise of the driver or owner so using such a vehicle.
Definition of licence
8.  In this Part, “licence” means a vehicle licence issued under the provisions of this Part.
Appointment of Registrar, Deputy Registrar and assistant registrars
9.—(1)  The Authority must appoint one of its officers as the Registrar of Vehicles who must carry out any duties that may be assigned to him or her under this Act and the rules.
[10/2017]
(2)  The Authority may appoint from among its officers a Deputy Registrar and any number of assistant registrars that may be required for the purposes of this Act.
(3)  The Authority may give to the Registrar any directions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, that it may consider necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Part, and may vary or revoke those directions, and the Registrar must comply with any directions so given.
(4)  The Registrar must make publicly available the forms of licences and of applications for the licences and all declarations, notices, returns, books of accounts and other documents required by the rules or otherwise by law required with respect to any matter to which this Act relates.
[10/2017]
Registration of vehicles
10.—(1)  Except as otherwise provided by this Act and the rules, no person may keep or use a vehicle unless it has been registered under this Act and its registration under this Act has not been cancelled.
[10/2017]
(2)  The Registrar may charge any fees that may be prescribed for the registration of a vehicle under this Act.
(3)  Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
[10/2017]
Vehicles not to be registered without permits issued by Registrar
10A.—(1)  No vehicle may be registered or, except as otherwise provided by this Act and the rules, continue to be registered under this Act unless there is in force a permit issued by the Registrar authorising the registration of the vehicle.
[10/2017]
(2)  Except as otherwise provided by this Act or the rules, a permit must be issued upon the payment of a levy.
[10/2017]
(3)  The Minister may by notification in the Gazette, prescribe a limit on the number of permits to be issued by the Registrar under subsection (1) and the Minister may prescribe different limits for vehicles belonging to any category, class or description.
(4)  The Minister may make rules for carrying out or giving effect to this section and, in particular, the rules may —
(a)provide for the issue of permits under this section to successful applicants who submitted bids for the permits;
(b)require fees and deposits to be paid for the submission of applications for the issue of permits under this section, and provide for the forfeiture of deposits for non-compliance with any conditions governing the submission of such applications;
(c)prescribe the levy, or the method or manner for determining the amount of the levy, payable for a permit issued or transferred under this section;
(d)prescribe the period for which a permit issued under this section is in force and different periods may be prescribed for vehicles belonging to different categories, classes or descriptions;
(e)prescribe the conditions upon which permits are issued or transferred under this section;
(f)provide for a rebate on all or any part of the levy payable for the issue or transfer of a permit under this section, in such circumstances as may be permitted by the rules;
(g)provide for the cancellation of a permit issued or transferred under this section and the refund of all or part of the levy paid for the issue or transfer of the permit in such circumstances as may be permitted by the rules;
(h)provide for the transfer of permits under this section at any time prior to the registration of a vehicle authorised by the permit;
(ha)provide for the transfer of permits under this section to facilitate the replacement of defective vehicles;
(i)provide for the issue of permits, whether with or without the payment of a levy, for vehicles which were registered under this Act prior to 2 April 1990;
(j)provide for the renewal of a permit before or after its expiry and the levy and any other fee to be paid therefor;
(k)exempt any particular vehicle or class of vehicles from the payment of the levy for a permit issued or transferred under this section; and
(l)provide for all matters which are required or permitted to be prescribed or which are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this section.
[7/2012]
Heavy vehicle not to be registered without valid vehicle parking certificate
10B.—(1)  No heavy vehicle may be registered under this Act unless the person applying for the registration of the heavy vehicle satisfies the Registrar that the person has been issued by the relevant authority under the Parking Places Act 1974 with a vehicle parking certificate or any other document in respect of the parking of the heavy vehicle for the period for which the heavy vehicle is to be licensed.
(2)  In this section and sections 19(3)(f) and 34(1)(r), “heavy vehicle” has the meaning given by the Parking Places Act 1974.
[4/2006]
Charge of tax on vehicles
11.—(1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules, a tax must be charged in respect of —
(a)the first registration of every vehicle under this Act;
(aa)the registration under this Act of a de‑registered vehicle; and
(b)every vehicle used or kept on any road in Singapore.
[23/2013; 10/2017]
(2)  The tax must be paid upon a licence to be taken out by the person keeping the vehicle.
(3)  The tax chargeable under subsection (1)(a) or (aa) in respect of a vehicle is of such an amount as the Minister may prescribe and the Minister may prescribe different taxes for vehicles of different classes, categories or descriptions or vehicles used for different purposes.
[23/2013]
(4)  The tax chargeable under subsection (1)(b) in respect of a vehicle of any description is chargeable by reference to such annual or semi-annual rate as may be prescribed by the Minister from time to time.
(5)  Any rates prescribed by the Minister may be so made to apply only to vehicles of a specified class, category or description and the Minister may prescribe different rates for vehicles of different classes, categories or descriptions or vehicles used for different purposes.
(6)  The Minister may, subject to any conditions that he or she thinks fit to impose, prescribe —
(a)a rebate on all or any part of the tax payable for vehicles of a specified class, category or description; and
(b)different rates of rebate or the methods for determining the amount of the rebate for vehicles of different classes, categories or descriptions or vehicles used for different purposes.
(7)  For the purposes of the tax, insofar as it is chargeable in respect of the use or keeping of a vehicle on a road, a vehicle is deemed —
(a)to be chargeable with the like tax as on the occasion of the issue of the vehicle licence or last vehicle licence issued for the vehicle under this Act, and to be so chargeable by reference to the prescribed rate applicable to the vehicle on that occasion; or
(b)if no vehicle licence has been issued for the vehicle under this Act, to be chargeable by reference to the prescribed rate applicable to the vehicle.
(7A)  In respect of a replacement vehicle —
(a)the tax chargeable under subsection (1)(a) applies as if the replacement vehicle had been first registered under this Act on the same date as the defective vehicle which it replaced; and
(b)the tax chargeable under subsection (1)(b) applies as if the replacement vehicle had been used or kept on any road in Singapore since that same date.
[7/2012]
(8)  Nothing in this section operates so as to render lawful the keeping of a vehicle for any period, in any manner or at any place, if to do so would be unlawful apart from this section.
(9)  Any person who gives any incorrect information in relation to any matter affecting the amount of tax chargeable under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, and the court shall order the person to also pay the amount of tax which has been undercharged.
[12/2021]
(9A)  The amount of tax undercharged which is ordered under subsection (9) to be paid may be recovered according to the law for the time being in force for the recovery of fines.
[12/2021]
(10)  The Registrar may compound any offence punishable under subsection (9) by collecting from the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence a sum not exceeding $1,000 and the amount of the tax undercharged, and may before judgment stay or compound any proceedings thereunder.
Vehicular emissions tax
11AA.—(1)  In addition to the taxes under section 11, a tax (called in this Act the vehicular emissions tax) is to be charged in respect of the first registration, on or after 1 January 2018, of any taxable vehicle, being a vehicle —
(a)that is within a prescribed class or category, or of a prescribed description; and
(b)that has an emission level for any prescribed vehicular emission (including a deemed emission level) that exceeds the maximum level of the neutral emission band prescribed for the vehicle.
[24/2017]
(2)  The vehicular emissions tax under subsection (1) —
(a)must be paid upon the first registration of a taxable vehicle by the person keeping the taxable vehicle; and
(b)is the amount prescribed for that taxable vehicle.
[37/2012; 24/2017]
(3)  Where a person who is registered as the owner of a vehicle (called in this section the replaced vehicle) replaces that vehicle with another vehicle (called in this section the replacement vehicle) that is a taxable vehicle, the person must pay a tax —
(a)of an amount by which the vehicular emissions tax chargeable on the replacement vehicle (calculated for the purposes of this subsection as if the replacement vehicle was first registered on the same date as the replaced vehicle), exceeds the vehicular emissions tax chargeable on the replaced vehicle; or
(b)if any carbon emissions tax was chargeable on the replaced vehicle, of an amount by which the carbon emissions tax chargeable on the replacement vehicle (calculated for the purposes of this subsection as if the replacement vehicle was first registered on the same date as the replaced vehicle), exceeds the carbon emissions tax chargeable on the replaced vehicle.
[24/2017]
(4)  The difference in tax mentioned in subsection (3) is payable to the Registrar without demand within the prescribed time from the date the Registrar registers the particulars of the replacement vehicle.
[37/2012]
(5)  The Minister may, subject to any conditions that he or she thinks fit to impose, prescribe —
(a)a rebate on all or any part of the tax payable under section 11(1)(a) for any taxable vehicle that has an emission level for any one or more prescribed vehicular emissions, that is below the minimum level of the neutral emission band prescribed for that emission in relation to a vehicle of that class, category or description, or used for a particular purpose; and
(b)different amounts of rebate or different methods for determining the amount of the rebate for taxable vehicles of different classes, categories or descriptions or used for different purposes.
[24/2017]
(6)  The Minister may make rules for carrying out or giving effect to this section and for prescribing anything which may be prescribed under this section and, in particular, the rules may —
(a)prescribe different amounts of vehicular emissions tax chargeable for taxable vehicles of different classes, categories or descriptions or used for different purposes;
(b)prescribe different neutral emission bands for different prescribed vehicular emissions;
(c)prescribe different neutral emission bands for vehicles of different classes, categories or descriptions or used for different purposes; and
(d)provide for the method or criteria for the method of determining or deeming the emission level of any prescribed vehicular emission of any taxable vehicle, and provide different methods or criteria for taxable vehicles of different classes, categories or descriptions or used for different purposes.
[24/2017]
(7)  Nothing in this section operates so as to render lawful the keeping of a vehicle for any period, in any manner or at any place, if to do so would be unlawful apart from this section.
[37/2012]
(8)  Any person who gives any incorrect information in relation to any matter affecting the amount of vehicular emissions tax chargeable or any rebate that may be granted under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, and the court shall order the person to also pay the amount of vehicular emissions tax, or the tax payable under section 11(1)(a), which has been undercharged.
[37/2012; 24/2017; 12/2021]
(8A)  The amount of the vehicular emissions tax, or the tax payable under section 11(1)(a), which has been undercharged and ordered under subsection (8) to be paid may be recovered according to the law for the time being in force for the recovery of fines.
[12/2021]
(9)  The Registrar may —
(a)compound any offence punishable under subsection (8) by collecting from the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence —
(i)a sum not exceeding $1,000; and
(ii)the amount of the vehicular emissions tax, or the tax payable under section 11(1)(a), which has been undercharged; and
(b)compound any offence punishable under subsection (8) as in force immediately before 1 January 2018, by collecting from the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence —
(i)a sum not exceeding $1,000; and
(ii)the amount of the carbon emissions tax, or the tax payable under section 11(1)(a), which has been undercharged,
and may before judgment stay or compound any proceedings thereunder.
[24/2017]
(10)  In this section —
“carbon emissions tax” means the tax chargeable under section 11AA(1) as in force immediately before 1 January 2018;
“neutral emission band”, in respect of any vehicular emission, means the range of emissions from a minimum level to a maximum level, prescribed for a vehicle of any class, category or description or used for any purpose;
“vehicular emission” means a pollutant that is attributable to the combined driving cycle of a vehicle.
[24/2017]
Restricted licences and supplementary licences
11A.—(1)  The Registrar may, upon application by the owner of a motor vehicle in such circumstances as may be prescribed, issue a licence subject to the restriction that the motor vehicle must not be driven on any road or on any specified road during specified days or times unless there is in force a supplementary licence for that motor vehicle.
(2)  The Minister may make rules for carrying out or giving effect to this section and, in particular, those rules may —
(a)provide for the issue of supplementary licences, whether at prescribed fees or without charge, and regulate their use and exhibition; and
(b)provide for all matters necessary or incidental to allow subsection (1) to apply or cease to apply to motor vehicles of any description, including the re-registration of the vehicles and the imposition of any fee or levy in connection with the re-registration.
(3)  Any person who drives a motor vehicle, issued with a licence subject to the restriction mentioned in subsection (1), in contravention of the restriction or any owner of such a motor vehicle who causes or permits the vehicle to be so driven shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be punished with —
(a)a fine not exceeding $5,000; and
(b)in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a fine not exceeding $10,000.
(4)  Any person who —
(a)falsifies an identification mark or plate prescribed in the case of a motor vehicle issued with a licence subject to the restriction mentioned in subsection (1); or
(b)displays, or causes or permits to be displayed, a falsified identification mark or plate on the motor vehicle,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be punished with a fine not exceeding $20,000 or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or with both.
(5)  Despite the provisions of any written law to the contrary, a District Court or Magistrate’s Court has the jurisdiction to try any offence under this section and to impose the maximum penalty prescribed therefor.
Taxes and fees payable upon loss of exempt status
11B.—(1)  This section applies to and in relation to any vehicle in respect of which a relevant impost is otherwise payable upon the first registration, continued registration or the keeping or use on roads, of the vehicle, if not for any of the following events (whether happening before, on or after the date of commencement of section 6 of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2021):
(a)the operation of section 14 which is repealed by the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2021;
(b)an exemption under section 33;
(c)an exemption under any order made under section 142.
(2)  Upon the happening, on or after the date of commencement of section 6 of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2021, of a disqualifying event for a relevant impost relating to a vehicle which has not ceased to be kept or used on any road in Singapore and has not been destroyed or removed from Singapore, a tax is payable as follows:
(a)upon the happening of the earlier of the following:
(i)at the end of one month after the disqualifying event for the relevant impost happens;
(ii)the re‑registration of the vehicle after the disqualifying event for the relevant impost;
(b)at the end of any period of extension allowed by the Registrar for payment of that tax.
(3)  The tax under subsection (2) is payable and recoverable from the person who is keeping or using the vehicle when the disqualifying event happens for a relevant impost with respect to that vehicle.
(4)  The tax under subsection (2) with respect to a vehicle is as follows, whichever being applicable:
(a)where the disqualifying event relates to any tax payable under section 11 upon the first registration of a vehicle — an amount worked out in the prescribed manner, which must not exceed the amount of the tax that would have been payable under section 11(1)(a) on the first registration of the vehicle if not for an event in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c);
(b)where the disqualifying event relates to any levy payable under section 10A — an amount worked out in the prescribed manner, which must not exceed the amount of the levy that would have been payable under section 10A(2) on the first registration of the vehicle with a permit if not for an event in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c);
(c)where the disqualifying event relates to any other relevant impost — an amount worked out in the prescribed manner, which must not exceed the total amount of the relevant impost that would have been payable if the event in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) did not happen.
(5)  To avoid doubt, a vehicle to which this section applies may be the subject of different disqualifying events for different relevant imposts.
(6)  To ascertain the relevant impost that was not payable upon the first registration, continued registration or the keeping or use on roads, of the vehicle concerned, any rebate from that relevant impost that may be claimed under section 11 when the vehicle was first registered must be reckoned.
(7)  Any person who gives any incorrect information in relation to any matter affecting the amount of tax chargeable under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, and the court shall order the person to pay the amount of tax which has been undercharged.
(8)  The amount of the tax under this section which has been undercharged and ordered under subsection (7) to be paid may be recovered according to the law for the time being in force for the recovery of fines.
(9)  The Registrar may compound any offence punishable under subsection (7) by collecting from the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence a sum not exceeding $1,000 and the amount of the tax undercharged, and may before judgment stay or compound any proceedings thereunder.
(10)  In this section —
“disqualifying event”, in relation to a relevant impost for a vehicle, means any of the following, whichever happens first:
(a)the expiry of any period the relevant impost is not payable with respect to the vehicle because of an event in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c);
(b)the cancellation of the registration of the vehicle under section 27(1) or (1A);
(c)the first breach of any condition (whether a condition precedent or a condition subsequent) that the exemption described in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) with respect to the vehicle is subject;
“relevant impost”, in relation to any vehicle, means any of the following taxes, fees or levies otherwise payable in respect of the vehicle if not for an event in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c):
(a)any fee payable under section 10;
(b)any levy payable under section 10A(2);
(c)any tax payable under section 11;
(d)any carbon emission tax payable under section 11AA as in force immediately before 1 January 2018, or any vehicular emission tax payable under that section as in force on or after that date.
[Act 12 of 2021 wef 03/01/2022]
Vehicles licensed outside Singapore
12.—(1)  Where any vehicle not registered under this Act is kept or used on any road in Singapore by a person who is —
(a)a citizen of Singapore;
(b)a resident of Singapore; or
(c)the holder of a work pass issued under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990,
the tax chargeable under section 11(1)(a) must be paid in respect of the vehicle by the person keeping or using it in Singapore as if that vehicle is first registered and used in Singapore.
[30/2007]
(2)  Any person who has in his or her possession or comes into possession of, or uses, a motor vehicle in respect of which a licence issued under the provisions of any law of any country relating to motor vehicles is in force must inform the Registrar, within the prescribed period, if he or she is a resident of Singapore or takes up residence in Singapore.
(3)  For the purposes of this section, a person is deemed to be a resident of Singapore if he or she —
(a)has been granted the status of a permanent resident of Singapore by the competent authority, even though he or she may not have a place of residence in Singapore; or
(b)resides in Singapore for a continuous period of 6 months and any temporary period or periods of absence during that period is immaterial.
(4)  Any person who fails to comply with subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.
Commencement and duration of licences
13.—(1)  A vehicle licence may be taken out —
(a)for any period of 6 months or 12 months; and
(b)for any shorter period that the Registrar may approve,
and is to, unless the Registrar otherwise determines, first have effect on the first day of the month in which the licence is applied for or on the day following the expiry of the last vehicle licence issued for the vehicle under this Act.
(2)  A licence which first has effect before the day on which it is issued shall not affect any criminal liability incurred before that day.
14.  [Repealed by Act 12 of 2021 wef 03/01/2022]
Using and keeping of vehicle without licence
15.  Any person who uses or keeps on any road any vehicle for which a licence is not in force, not being a vehicle exempted from tax under this Act by virtue of the provisions of any written law, shall be guilty of an offence and —
(a)shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000; or
(b)if it has been proved to the satisfaction of the court that the person had the intention to evade payment of any tax chargeable under this Act, shall be punished on conviction with a fine of an amount equal to 3 times the tax payable —
(i)if a vehicle licence had been taken out for the period, beginning with the expiry of the vehicle licence last in force for the vehicle before the date of the offence; or
(ii)if there has not at any time before that date a vehicle licence in force for the vehicle, beginning with the first day of the month in which the vehicle was first kept by that person,
and ending with the last day of the month during which the offence was committed.
Presumption as to use or keeping of vehicle
16.—(1)  For the purposes of this Part, it is presumed, until the contrary is proved, that a person keeps or uses a vehicle on a road in Singapore if it is proved —
(a)for a vehicle registered under this Act, that the person is, at the material time, recorded as the owner of that vehicle in a register of vehicles;
(b)for a vehicle the registration of which under this Act is cancelled under section 27(1) or has lapsed, that the person is last recorded as the owner of that vehicle in a register of vehicles; or
(c)for a vehicle that is not registered under this Act and is not a vehicle mentioned in paragraph (b), that the person has a legal right to possession of the vehicle (including any person who has the use of the vehicle under a lease or hire‑purchase agreement, but not the lessor while the vehicle is being leased under any such agreement).
[10/2017]
(2)  In subsection (1), “register of vehicles” means the register required by rules made under section 34 to be maintained by the Authority for the purposes of section 10.
[10/2017]
Continuous liability for duty
17.—(1)  Subject to this section, a person who for any period keeps a vehicle in respect of which tax under this Act has at any time become chargeable shall, whether or not it is still a mechanically propelled vehicle, be liable to pay tax under this Act in respect of the vehicle for that period.
(2)  A person shall not be liable by virtue of subsection (1) to pay tax under this Act in respect of a vehicle —
(a)for any period for which tax under this Act in respect of the vehicle has been paid and has not been repaid in consequence of the surrender of a licence;
(b)for any period in respect of which the person has, in accordance with the rules, given notice to the Registrar that the vehicle will not be used or kept on a public road during that period; and
(c)for any period by reference to which there was calculated an amount ordered to be paid by the person as a fine pursuant to section 15(b).
[29/2018]
(3)  A person is not, by virtue of subsection (2)(b), exempt from the person’s liability for any period under subsection (1) in respect of a vehicle if at any time during that period the person or any other person with the firstmentioned person’s consent uses or keeps the vehicle on a public road and no vehicle licence is in force for the vehicle at that time.
(4)  For the purposes of subsection (3), the consent mentioned in that subsection is presumed to have been given unless the contrary is shown, but any use or keeping of the vehicle in question as respects which the vehicle is exempt by virtue of any written law for the time being in force from tax under this Act is to be disregarded.
(5)  Sums payable under this section by way of tax in respect of a vehicle accrue due for every period of a calendar month at one‑sixth of the semi-annual rate of tax applicable to the vehicle at the relevant time.
Suit for recovery of tax
18.—(1)  Despite the provisions of any other written law, any tax chargeable under this Act may be sued for by way of a specially indorsed originating claim.
[Act 25 of 2021 wef 01/04/2022]
(2)  In any suit under subsection (1), the production of a certificate signed by the Registrar giving the name and address of the defendant and the amount of tax from the defendant in respect of any vehicle kept by the defendant is sufficient evidence of the amount due and sufficient authority for the court to give judgment for that amount.
Issue and exhibition of licences
19.—(1)  Every person applying for a vehicle licence must make such a declaration and furnish such particulars with respect to the vehicle for which the licence is to be taken out or otherwise as may be prescribed.
(2)  Subject to the provisions of this Act as to general licences and provisions as to the transfer of licences to replacement vehicles, every vehicle licence is issued for the vehicle specified in the application for the licence and does not entitle the person to whom it is issued to use or keep any other vehicle.
[7/2012]
(3)  The Registrar is not required to issue any vehicle licence for which application is made unless he or she is satisfied —
(a)that the licence applied for is the appropriate licence for the vehicle specified in the application and all fees and taxes due and payable in respect of the vehicle and any penalty recoverable from the registered owner of the vehicle under this Act or the rules have been paid;
(b)in the case of an application for a licence for a vehicle purporting to be the first application for a licence for the vehicle, that a licence has not previously been issued for that vehicle;
(c)that there is no warrant of arrest issued under section 120 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 against the applicant in respect of any offence committed by the applicant under this Act or the rules or any written law specified in Part 1 of the First Schedule;
(d)that either —
(i)for the period of the licence there will be in force the policy of insurance or the security required by law in relation to the use of the motor vehicle by the applicant or by other persons on the applicant’s order or with the applicant’s permission; or
(ii)the motor vehicle is a vehicle to which section 3 of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 does not apply at any time when it is being driven by the owner thereof or by an employee of the owner in the course of the employee’s employment or is otherwise subject to the control of the owner;
(e)in the case of a motor vehicle to which section 91 applies, that a test certificate in respect of the vehicle has been issued at any time within 3 months prior to the issue of the vehicle licence or within any other period that the Registrar may approve; and
(f)in the case of a heavy vehicle, that for the period of the licence there will be in force a vehicle parking certificate or such other document issued by the relevant authority under the Parking Places Act 1974 in respect of the parking of the heavy vehicle.
[15/2010; 10/2017]
(4)  Without affecting subsection (3), the Registrar may refuse to issue a vehicle licence if he or she is satisfied that the vehicle in respect of which the licence is to be issued is registered in the name of a person who, pursuant to a warrant of court, has been arrested in connection with an offence under this Act or the rules or any written law specified in Part 1 of the First Schedule and the offence has not been tried and determined by the court.
[10/2017]
(5)  Rules made under this Act may provide for the issue of a new licence in the place of a licence which has been damaged, rendered illegible, lost or destroyed, and for the information to be furnished and the fee to be paid for the issue of a new licence.
[4/2006]
(6)  Any vehicle licence may be transferred in the prescribed manner.
(7)  Subject to subsection (8), the Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, amend Part 1 of the First Schedule.
(8)  The Minister must, before exercising his or her powers under subsection (7), consult the Minister responsible for the written law to which the amendment relates.
Number of persons carried on vehicle
20.—(1)  The Registrar may determine and enter in the records maintained under rules made under section 34(1)(g) the maximum number of persons that may be carried in a heavy motor car or motor car or on a motor cycle, and must inform the registered owner of the vehicle of that number.
[4/2006]
(2)  Any person who drives a motor vehicle carrying persons in excess of the maximum number of persons determined under subsection (1) for the motor vehicle shall be guilty of an offence.
[4/2006]
Late application for licence
21.  If a licence is applied for a vehicle after the date of expiry of the last licence issued for the vehicle, a late application fee as may be prescribed is payable for the issue of the licence.
[4/2006]
Surrender of licences
22.  The holder of a licence may at any time surrender the licence to the Registrar in the prescribed manner and on so surrendering the licence is entitled, if the holder satisfies the prescribed requirements, to receive from the Registrar, by way of rebate of tax paid upon the surrendered licence, a sum equal to the amount of tax which had been charged for the remaining number of calendar months or part thereof for which the licence would have been in force.
Vehicle destroyed, exported, etc.
23.—(1)  The holder of a licence may at any time notify the Registrar that the holder’s vehicle has been destroyed or exported or will cease to be kept or used on any road.
(2)  Except as otherwise prescribed, the Registrar, on being satisfied in any manner that he or she requires that the vehicle has been destroyed or exported or will cease to be kept or used on any road, must refund to the holder of the licence a sum equal to the amount which has been charged for the number of calendar months or part thereof for which the licence would have continued to be in force.
[7/2012]
Duty of manufacturers and dealers to notify Registrar and owners of safety-related defects in vehicles
23A.—(1)  Any person being a manufacturer or dealer of vehicles must, on becoming aware of any safety-related defect in any vehicle manufactured or sold by the person, cause a notice of the defect to be given to —
(a)the Registrar;
(b)each person who has obtained such a vehicle from the manufacturer or dealer; and
(c)each current owner of such a vehicle as determined from —
(i)any warranty issued by the manufacturer or dealer with respect to the functioning of the vehicle that has, to the knowledge of the manufacturer or dealer, been given, sold or transferred to the current owner; or
(ii)the vehicle registration records as kept by the Registrar.
(2)  Where the Registrar is satisfied that the name of the current owner of a vehicle cannot reasonably be determined by a manufacturer or dealer in accordance with subsection (1)(c), the Registrar may —
(a)order the manufacturer or dealer to give notice of the defect by publication in all daily newspapers in Singapore or by dissemination in such alternative medium for such period as the Registrar may determine; or
(b)order that the current owner need not be notified.
(3)  A notice required to be given under subsection (1) or (2) must be in such form as the Registrar may require and must —
(a)contain a description of the defect, an evaluation of the safety risk arising from it and the directions for rectifying it; and
(b)state the time and place at which the person to whom the notice is given may present the person’s vehicle in order that the defect may be rectified by the manufacturer or dealer or the manufacturer’s or dealer’s agent.
(4)  Any manufacturer or dealer of vehicles who causes any notice to be given under subsection (1) or (2) in connection with any safety‑related defect in any vehicle manufactured or sold by the manufacturer or dealer must —
(a)within a period of one month from the date on which the notice is given; and
(b)thereafter, within any subsequent period that the Registrar may require,
submit to the Registrar a report in such form and containing such information relating to the safety‑related defect and its rectification as the Registrar may require.
(5)  Any person who, being a manufacturer or dealer of vehicles —
(a)fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (1), (3) or (4) or any order given by the Registrar under subsection (2)(a); or
(b)fails to rectify or secure the rectification by the person’s agent of any safety-related defect in any vehicle that is presented for rectification pursuant to a notice given by the manufacturer or dealer under this section,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(c)to a fine not exceeding $2,000 for each vehicle in respect of which the offence is committed, subject to a maximum fine of $50,000; and
(d)in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $500 for every day or part of a day during which the offence continues after conviction.
(6)  Despite the provisions of any written law to the contrary, a District Court or Magistrate’s Court has jurisdiction to try any offence under subsection (5) and to impose the maximum penalty prescribed therefor under that subsection.
(7)  Any person who, being the owner of a vehicle in respect of which a notice has been given by a manufacturer or dealer under this section, fails to produce the vehicle for rectification within the period specified in the notice or any other period that the Registrar may allow shall be guilty of an offence.
(8)  The Authority, with the approval of the Minister, may make rules for the purposes of carrying this section into effect.
(9)  In this section —
“dealer” means a person who is engaged in the business of importing or selling vehicles;
“safety-related defect”, in relation to a vehicle, means a feature of the design or construction of the vehicle that is liable to cause significant risk of personal injury or death to any person using the vehicle or any other road user, and includes any defect relating to a component of the vehicle that is bought by the manufacturer of the vehicle from a supplier and sold by the manufacturer of the vehicle together with the vehicle as original equipment.
Alteration of vehicle or of its use
24.—(1)  Where a vehicle licence has been taken out for a vehicle at any rate prescribed under this Act and the vehicle is, at any time while the licence is in force, used in an altered condition or in a manner or for a purpose which brings it within, or which if it was used solely in that condition or in that manner or for that purpose would bring it within, a description of vehicle to which a higher rate of tax is applicable under this Act, tax at that higher rate becomes chargeable in respect of the licence for the vehicle.
(2)  Where tax at a higher rate becomes chargeable under subsection (1) in respect of any vehicle licence, a new vehicle licence is deemed to be in force, for the period beginning with the date on which the higher rate of tax becomes chargeable and expiring at the end of the period for which the original vehicle licence was issued, on payment of the difference between the amount payable on the new licence and the amount to be refunded on the surrender of the original vehicle licence in accordance with section 22.
[10/2017]
(2A)  Subsection (2) does not validate the use of a vehicle between the time a vehicle licence is deemed by that subsection to be in force for that vehicle and the date the vehicle licence is actually issued, if later.
[10/2017]
(3)  Where a vehicle licence has been taken out for a vehicle, and by reason of the vehicle being used as mentioned in subsection (1), a higher rate of tax becomes chargeable and tax at the higher rate was not paid before the vehicle was so used, the person so using the vehicle shall be guilty of an offence.
Visitors’ vehicles
25.—(1)  Rules made under this Part may modify the provisions of this Part in the case of motor vehicles brought temporarily by persons resident outside Singapore and intending to make only a temporary stay in Singapore.
(2)  The rules may —
(a)provide for the issue of a permit, in respect of a vehicle not registered under this Act that is brought into Singapore from any place outside Singapore (called in this section and section 34D a foreign vehicle), authorising the keeping and use in Singapore of the vehicle for any period that the Registrar may determine;
(b)prescribe the manner of application for the permit;
(c)prescribe the fees and charges payable for the issue of the permit in accordance with any rates that may be approved by the Minister;
(d)prescribe the conditions for the issue of the permit;
(e)provide for the extension of the period of validity of the permit;
(f)provide for the cancellation of the permit;
(g)provide for the permit to be stored in any electronic form that the Authority may determine;
(h)regulate the use of the permit;
(i)[Deleted by Act 1 of 2006]
(j)provide for the levy of a tax for the keeping or use of a foreign vehicle in Singapore in accordance with any rates that may be prescribed by the Minister;
(k)prescribe the manner in which any fee or tax payable under the rules is to be levied and collected, including the use of electronic or computerised or other facilities, and the use by the foreign vehicle concerned of specified points of exit from Singapore, for that purpose;
(l)prescribe the records to be kept by the Registrar in connection with the rules; and
(m)empower the Registrar and any officer authorised by him or her to prohibit the entry by driving into, or exit by driving from, Singapore of any vehicle —
(i)if any charge, fee or tax payable in respect of the vehicle under this Act or any of its subsidiary legislation is in arrears;
(ii)if any charge or fee payable in respect of the vehicle under the Parking Places Act 1974 or any of its subsidiary legislation is in arrears; or
(iii)which the Registrar or officer so authorised reasonably believes has been used in the commission of an offence under this Act or the Parking Places Act 1974 or any subsidiary legislation made under either Act, or under the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations.
[1/2006; 10/2017; 38/2018]
(3)  Any rates prescribed by the rules may be made to apply only to vehicles of a specified class, category or description, and the Minister may prescribe different rates for vehicles of different classes, categories or descriptions or for vehicles used for different purposes.
(4)  Where a person is convicted of an offence under any of the rules, the court before which the person is convicted may, in addition to the punishment prescribed for the offence, order the person to pay the amount of any charges, fees or taxes mentioned in subsection (2)(m) that may be certified by an officer appointed by the Authority to be due and payable by the person at the date of the person’s conviction, and the amount may be recovered according to the law for the time being in force for the recovery of fines.
[10/2017]
(5)  For the purposes of this section, reference to a person resident outside Singapore does not include a reference to a citizen of Singapore or a person who holds a valid entry permit or re-entry permit issued by the Controller of Immigration under the Immigration Act 1959.
[10/2017]
Registration and identification marks
26.—(1)  On the issue of a licence under this Part for a vehicle other than a bicycle, it is the duty of the Registrar to register the vehicle in the prescribed manner without any further application in that behalf by the person taking out the licence.
(2)  Subject to this section, the Registrar must assign a separate number to every vehicle registered with him or her and a mark indicating both the registered number of the vehicle and the fact that it has been registered in Singapore must be fixed on the vehicle or on any other vehicle drawn by the vehicle or on both in the prescribed manner.
(3)  The Registrar must, on any application for the registration of a bicycle made to him or her in the prescribed manner and on payment of the prescribed fee, register the bicycle in the prescribed manner, assigning a separate number to every bicycle registered with him or her, and a mark indicating both the registered number and the fact that it has been registered must be fixed on the bicycle in the prescribed manner.
(4)  If the mark to be fixed in accordance with this Act is not so fixed, or if being so fixed it is in any way obscured or rendered or allowed to become or to remain not easily distinguishable, the person driving the vehicle or having charge of the vehicle while it is being used shall be guilty of an offence.
(5)  A person charged under this section with having an obscured mark or with obscuring a mark or rendering or allowing it to become or to remain not easily distinguishable shall not be liable to be convicted on the charge if the person proves that the person has taken all steps reasonably practicable to prevent the mark being obscured or not easily distinguishable.
(6)  A person shall not be liable to be convicted under this section if the person proves that —
(a)the person had no reasonable opportunity of registering the vehicle in accordance with this section; and
(b)the vehicle is being driven on the road for the purpose of being so registered.
Cancellation of registration
27.—(1)  The Registrar may cancel the registration of a vehicle —
(a)if the permit issued under section 10A authorising the registration of the vehicle under this Act has been cancelled or has expired and has not been restored or renewed within the time prescribed therefor by this Act or any rules;
(b)if no licence under section 19 has been taken out for the vehicle for a period exceeding 3 years by the registered owner who has notified the Registrar that the registered owner will not use the vehicle during that period;
(c)if the tax chargeable under section 11(1)(b) has not been paid by the registered owner of the vehicle for a period of 12 months or any longer period;
(d)if the Registrar is satisfied that the vehicle —
(i)has ceased to be kept or used on any road in Singapore;
(ii)has been or will, within the prescribed period, be destroyed or removed from Singapore;
(iii)has become wholly unfit for further use; or
(iv)has been lost through theft or criminal breach of trust and the prescribed period after the loss has lapsed;
(da)if the Registrar becomes aware of a circumstance that would have required or permitted the Registrar to refuse to register the vehicle, had the Registrar been aware of the circumstance immediately before registering the vehicle;
(e)if the vehicle exceeds the age-limit prescribed for the class or description of vehicles to which the vehicle belongs; or
(f)if the vehicle has been forfeited pursuant to any written law.
[4/2006; 37/2012; 23/2013; 10/2017]
(1A)  In addition to subsection (1), the Registrar may cancel the registration of a vehicle registered under any particular class, category or description or purpose of use if the Registrar is satisfied that —
(a)the vehicle has been so permanently altered (on or after the date of commencement of section 8 of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2021 and whether in the course of repair or otherwise) so as to render its construction, weight and equipment or condition such that the vehicle no longer conforms to the class, category or description it is registered under; or
(b)the use of the vehicle has so materially changed (on or after the date of commencement of section 8 of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2021) such that the use of the vehicle does not conform to the purpose of use it is registered for.
[Act 12 of 2021 wef 03/01/2022]
(2)  Where the registration of a vehicle is cancelled under subsection (1) or (1A), the registered owner or the person in possession of the vehicle must produce proof to the satisfaction of the Registrar that the vehicle has been removed from all roads in Singapore, or has been destroyed or removed from Singapore, within one month of the date of the cancellation or any other period that the Registrar may approve unless the vehicle is re‑registered within that period.
[4/2006; 23/2013]
[Act 12 of 2021 wef 03/01/2022]
(3)  Any person who fails to comply with subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.
[4/2006]
General licences
28.—(1)  Any person being a manufacturer or repairer of or a dealer in vehicles may apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner to be allowed, in lieu of taking out a licence under this Part for each vehicle kept or used by the person, to take out a general licence in respect of all vehicles kept or used by the person.
(2)  Subject to subsection (5), the Registrar, upon receiving an application under subsection (1), may —
(a)if satisfied as to the bona fides of the applicant; and
(b)on payment by the applicant of the prescribed levy,
issue a general licence to the applicant either unconditionally or subject to any conditions that the Registrar thinks fit to impose.
(3)  The holder of any licence issued under this section is not entitled by virtue of that licence to use —
(a)more than one vehicle at any one time except in the case of a motor vehicle drawing a trailer and used for the prescribed purposes; or
(b)any vehicle for any purpose other than such purposes as may be prescribed.
(4)  Nothing in this section operates to prevent a person entitled to take out a general licence from holding 2 or more such licences.
(5)  A general licence must not be issued until the applicant has produced to the Registrar such evidence as the Registrar may require that either —
(a)for the period of the licence there will be in force the policy of insurance or the security required by law in relation to the use of the vehicle by the applicant or by other persons on the applicant’s order or with the applicant’s permission; or
(b)the vehicle is a vehicle to which section 3 of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 does not apply at any time when it is being driven by the owner thereof or by an employee of the owner in the course of the employee’s employment or is otherwise subject to the control of the owner.
(6)  Provision may be made by rules under this Act for the issue of more than one type of general licence and for assigning a general identification mark to a person holding any licence issued under this section.
(7)  No general licence may be assigned or transferred and the holder of any general licence who assigns or transfers or attempts to assign or transfer the licence shall be guilty of an offence.
(8)  The Registrar may suspend or revoke a general licence if he or she is satisfied —
(a)that the issue of the licence has been procured by fraud or misrepresentation; or
(b)that the person to whom the general licence was issued has contravened or failed to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or the rules or with any condition of the general licence.
[10/2017]
(9)  Upon the suspension or revocation of a licence under subsection (8), the holder of the general licence must surrender the general licence to the Registrar.
(10)  If any person is aggrieved by the refusal of the Registrar to issue a general licence or by the suspension or revocation of a general licence, the person may appeal to the Minister.
(11)  The Minister must, on any appeal, make any order in the matter that he or she thinks just and the Registrar must comply with any order so made.
(12)  Any order made by the Minister under subsection (11) is final.
Special purpose licences
28A.—(1)  Any person intending to keep or use any vehicle for purposes of research and development or for any other special purpose (but not an approved trial or approved special use within the meaning of section 6C) may apply to the Registrar for a licence (called in this Part a special purpose licence) allowing the person to keep or use the vehicle on a road.
[10/2017]
(2)  Sections 10 and 11 do not apply in respect of a vehicle that is licensed under this section.
(3)  Upon receiving an application under subsection (1) and upon payment by the applicant of the prescribed levy, the Registrar may issue a special purpose licence to the applicant either unconditionally or subject to any conditions that the Registrar thinks fit to impose.
(4)  The Registrar may suspend or cancel a special purpose licence if the vehicle in respect of which the special purpose licence has been issued is kept or used in contravention of —
(a)any of the provisions of this Act or the rules; or
(b)any of the conditions subject to which the special purpose licence was issued.
[10/2017]
(5)  The Registrar must not issue a special purpose licence in respect of any vehicle until the applicant for the special purpose licence has produced to the Registrar such evidence as the Registrar may require that either —
(a)for the period of the special purpose licence there will be in force the policy of insurance or security required by law in relation to the use of the vehicle by the applicant or by any other person on the applicant’s order or with the applicant’s permission; or
(b)the vehicle is a vehicle to which section 3 of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 does not apply at any time when it is being driven by the owner thereof or by an employee of the owner in the course of the employee’s employment or when it is otherwise subject to the control of the owner.
(6)  A special purpose licence issued to any person under this section is not transferable to any other person and the holder of any special purpose licence who transfers or attempts to transfer the holder’s licence to any other person shall be guilty of an offence.
(7)  A person to whom a special purpose licence is issued under this section must, within one month after the licence is cancelled under subsection (4) or lapses, or any longer period that the Registrar may allow in any particular case, do one of the following in relation to the vehicle in respect of which the special purpose licence was issued:
(a)register the vehicle;
(b)remove the vehicle from use on all roads in Singapore and produce proof of that to the satisfaction of the Registrar;
(c)destroy or export the vehicle and produce proof of that to the satisfaction of the Registrar.
[10/2017]
(8)  A person who fails to comply with subsection (7) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a)to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months; and
(b)in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months.
[10/2017]
Offences in connection with registration and licensing of vehicles
29.—(1)  If any person possesses or uses any vehicle, other than a bicycle or a trishaw, for which a licence under this Part is not in force or causes or permits it to be so used or, being the holder of a general licence or general licences issued under this Act, uses at any one time a greater number of vehicles than the person is authorised to use by virtue of that licence or those licences, the person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.
[10/2017]
(2)  If any person uses a bicycle which has not been registered or a trishaw which has not been licensed under this Part, the person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100.
(3)  [Deleted by Act 10 of 2017]
(4)  Where a licence has been taken out for a motor vehicle to be used solely for a certain purpose and the motor vehicle is, at any time during the period for which the licence is in force, used for some other purpose, the person so using the motor vehicle or causing or permitting it to be so used shall, if the rate of fee chargeable in respect of a licence for a motor vehicle used for that other purpose is higher than the rate chargeable in respect of the licence held by the person, be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, shall in addition be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.
(5)  If in any proceedings under this section any question arises —
(a)as to the number of motor vehicles used;
(b)as to the character, weight and horsepower of any motor vehicle;
(c)as to the number of seats provided in a motor vehicle; or
(d)as to the purposes for which any motor vehicle has been used,
it is sufficient for a witness for the prosecution to give evidence on oath that, in consequence of inquiries which the witness has made or of reports which the witness has received, the witness has reasonable grounds for believing that —
(e)the number of motor vehicles used;
(f)the character, weight and horsepower of any motor vehicle;
(g)the number of seats provided in a motor vehicle; or
(h)the purposes for which any motor vehicle has been used,
or any one or more of these facts was or were such as would be necessary to establish the offence charged.
(6)  Thereupon the burden is on the defendant to prove that the number of motor vehicles used or the character, weight and horsepower of any motor vehicle, the number of seats provided in a motor vehicle or the purposes for which any motor vehicle has been used (as the case may require) was or were in fact such that the offence charged was not in law committed by the defendant.
Court may order offender to pay arrears of taxes
29A.—(1)  Where a person is convicted of an offence under section 15 or 29, the court before which the person is convicted may, in addition to the punishment prescribed for the offence, order the person to pay the amount of any taxes as may be certified by an officer appointed by the Authority to be due and payable under section 11(1)(b) by the person at the date of the person’s conviction.
(2)  The amount under subsection (1) may be recovered according to the law for the time being in force for the recovery of fines.
Power to seize and sell vehicles
30.—(1)  If any tax payable in respect of any vehicle remains unpaid after one month commencing from the date of expiry of the licence last in force for the vehicle, the Registrar may issue a warrant in the prescribed form directing the officer named therein to seize the vehicle and recover the tax due from the proceeds of the sale of the vehicle.
(2)  The person to whom any warrant is addressed may break open in the daytime any house or building for the purpose of the seizure of the vehicle pursuant to the warrant.
(3)  Any fees prescribed by the Authority are payable by way of costs in the case of the issue of a warrant for the recovery of any tax under this section.
Limitation on bringing of proceedings for recovery of over‑payment of tax
31.  No proceedings may be brought for enforcing any repayment of tax to which a person may be entitled in respect of any over-payment of tax made on a vehicle licence taken out by the person, unless the proceedings are brought before the end of the 12 months beginning with the end of the period in respect of which the licence was taken out.
32.  [Repealed by Act 4 of 2006]
Exemptions and application to vehicles belonging to Government
33.—(1)  The Minister may, in special cases and for a particular occasion, exempt any vehicle or type of vehicle from the operation of all or any of the provisions of this Part or from the taxes, fees or levies payable thereunder or may reduce those taxes, fees or levies.
(2)  This Part applies to vehicles belonging to the Government.
33A.  [Repealed by Act 38 of 2018]
33B.  [Repealed by Act 38 of 2018]
Rules for purposes of this Part
34.—(1)  The Minister may make rules for any purpose for which rules may be made under this Part and for prescribing anything which may be prescribed under this Part, and otherwise for the purpose of carrying this Part into effect and, in particular, may make rules —
(a)to regulate the registration and licensing of vehicles, to prescribe the forms of application for and the contents of vehicle licences, and to provide special facilities for the licensing of motor vehicles brought into Singapore from places outside Singapore;
(b)[Deleted by Act 4 of 2006]
(c)to prescribe the size, shape and character of the identification marks or the signs to be fixed on any vehicle and the manner in which those marks or signs are to be secured, sealed, displayed and rendered easily distinguishable whether by night or by day and to prohibit those marks, signs and seals from being tampered with;
(d)to provide for the marking of prescribed particulars on any vehicle;
(da)to require any person to whom any vehicle is sold or disposed of or any person who sold or disposed of any vehicle to furnish any particulars of the sale or disposal that the Registrar may require;
(db)to require any person who is, in the course of business, selling or supplying, or offering or exposing for sale or supply, by retail, any vehicle on any premises or place —
(i)to display warning notices about prescribed vehicles or trailers which do not comply with the rules made under section 6 as to construction, weight and equipment applicable to the class or description of vehicles to which that vehicle or trailer belongs; or
(ii)to display in a prescribed manner or not to display any vehicles or trailers mentioned in sub‑paragraph (i), or advertisements about the vehicles or trailers, at the premises or place;
(e)to prescribe the form of, and the particulars to be included in, the register with respect to vehicles for which a general licence has been taken out by a manufacturer, repairer or dealer and the identification marks to be carried by any such vehicle and to define the purposes for which the holder of a general licence may use a vehicle under the general licence;
(f)to extend any provisions as to registration and provisions incidental to those provisions to any vehicle in respect of which taxes chargeable under this Part are not payable and to provide for the identification of the vehicle;
(g)to provide for information contained in any records maintained by the Registrar with respect to the marking, registration, licensing or keeping of vehicles to be made public or to be made available, either without payment or on payment of the prescribed fee, to any persons that may be determined by or under the rules;
(h)with respect to the form and particulars to be included in a notice under section 17(2)(b), the manner of giving the notice and the time at which it is to be treated as being given;
(i)for securing that notice under section 17(2)(b) is not given in respect of a period of less than 30 days or more than 12 months;
(j)as to the mode of calculating the period in respect of which notice under section 17(2)(b) is to be treated as given;
(k)with respect to the mode of proving the giving of the said notice;
(l)for deeming the said notice to have been given in relation to a vehicle in respect of any period or at any time if in the circumstances of any particular case the Minister considers it reasonable to do so;
(m)to make provision with respect to the furnishing of information and production of certificates of insurance or security and with respect to the registration and identification of such vehicles (including vehicles belonging to the Government);
(n)to prescribe the particulars to be marked on vehicles and trailers;
(o)to prescribe —
(i)the fees and costs payable for the recovery of any tax payable under this Act, whether by instalment or otherwise; and
(ii)any interest or charge payable for the late payment, or the payment by instalment, of any tax payable under this Act;
[Act 4 of 2008 wef 01/04/2024]
(p)to prohibit the registration under this Act of used vehicles beyond a prescribed age-limit;
(q)to prescribe a levy for the re-registration of a used vehicle in the name of the purchaser of the vehicle;
(r)to regulate the registration, licensing, keeping and use of heavy vehicles; and
(s)to regulate the registration and licensing of a replacement vehicle, and to deem the date of registration of the replacement vehicle to be the same as that of the vehicle which it replaced for any of the purposes of this Act.
[4/2006; 7/2012; 3/2017; 10/2017]
(2)  Rules made under this section for the purposes of subsection (1)(da) or (db) may provide that any contravention of any provision of the rules involving a power-assisted bicycle shall be an offence and the offender may be liable on conviction —
(a)where the person is an individual — to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 24 months or to both; or
(b)in any other case — to a fine not exceeding $40,000.
[9/2020]
(3)  Every amount collected before the date of commencement of the Statutes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2008 as, or purportedly as, interest or a charge for the late payment, or the payment by instalment, of any tax payable under this Act shall be deemed to be and always to have been validly collected, and no legal proceedings shall lie or be instituted or maintained in any court of law on account of or in respect of any such collection.
[Act 4 of 2008 wef 01/04/2024]
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