No. S 83
Road Traffic Act
(Chapter 276)
Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Construction and Use) (Amendment) Rules 2006
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6 of the Road Traffic Act, the Land Transport Authority of Singapore hereby makes the following Rules:
Citation and commencement
1.  These Rules may be cited as the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Construction and Use) (Amendment) Rules 2006 and shall come into operation on 15th February 2006.
Amendment of rule 2
2.  Rule 2(1) of the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Construction and Use) Rules (R 9) (referred to in these Rules as the principal Rules) is amended —
(a)by deleting the words “sunset and sunrise” in the definition of “hours of darkness” and substituting the words “7 p.m. and 7 a.m. the following day”;
(b)by deleting paragraphs (b), (c), (e) and (f) in the definition of “overall length”;
(c)by deleting sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iv) of paragraph (a) in the definition of “overhang”; and
(d)by inserting the word “and” at the end of paragraph (a)(iii) in the definition of “overhang”.
Amendment of rule 3
3.  Rule 3 of the principal Rules is amended —
(a)by deleting “98” in paragraph (3) and substituting “97”; and
(b)by deleting paragraph (6) and substituting the following paragraph:
(6)  Nothing in Part II (except rules 6, 7 and 45) shall apply to a motor vehicle or trailer brought temporarily into Singapore by a person resident abroad if the motor vehicle or trailer is issued a registration certificate referred to in rule 2(1) of the Road Traffic (International Circulation) Rules (R 7).”.
Amendment of rule 6
4.  Rule 6 of the principal Rules is amended —
(a)by deleting the words “10 metres” in paragraph (1) and substituting the words “12 metres”;
(b)by inserting, immediately after paragraph (1), the following paragraph:
(1A)  The overall length of a motor vehicle drawing a trailer, not being a semi-trailer, shall not exceed 14 metres.”; and
(c)by deleting the words “11 metres” in paragraph (2) and substituting the words “18 metres”.
Amendment of rule 7
5.  Rule 7 of the principal Rules is amended by deleting the words “2.5 metres” in paragraphs (1) and (2) and substituting in each case the words “2.6 metres”.
Amendment of rule 8
6.  Rule 8 of the principal Rules is amended by deleting the words “3.2 metres” in paragraphs (1) and (2) and substituting in each case the words “4.0 metres”.
Amendment of rule 18
7.  Rule 18 of the principal Rules is amended by deleting paragraph (1) and substituting the following paragraphs:
(1)  Subject to paragraphs (1A) and (1B), the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle shall be fitted internally on the right or off-side of the vehicle.
(1A)  Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any motor cycle, whether with or without an attached side-car.
(1B)  The Registrar may, subject to such terms and conditions as he may impose, permit the use of a motor vehicle which does not comply with paragraph (1).”.
Amendment of rule 28
8.  Rule 28 of the principal Rules is amended by inserting, immediately after paragraph (12), the following paragraph:
(13)  Notwithstanding rule 27 (3) and (4), every bus may be fitted with an additional pair of direction indicators mounted —
(a)at the rear of the vehicle;
(b)symmetrically with the longitudinal plane of the vehicle; and
(c)as near to the extreme projecting point of the vehicle and as high as possible.”.
New rule 44A
9.  The principal Rules are amended by inserting, immediately after rule 44, the following rule:
Side overhang
44A.  No part of a vehicle included within the overall width thereof shall project laterally more than 150 millimetres beyond the outer face of the outer tyre on the rearmost wheel on the same side of the vehicle.”.
Amendment of rule 45
10.  Rule 45 (2) of the principal Rules is amended —
(a)by deleting the words “Subject to rule 66, in” and substituting the word “In”; and
(b)by deleting sub-paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) and substituting the following sub-paragraphs:
(b)motor vehicles or trailers designed for use solely in connection with street cleansing, or the collection or disposal of refuse or of the contents of drains, gullies, latrines or cess-pools;
(c)special purpose vehicles for fire fighting or rescue purposes; and”.
Amendment of rule 46
11.  Rule 46 of the principal Rules is amended —
(a)by inserting, immediately after the word “vehicle” in paragraph (2), the words “, other than a motor cycle,”;
(b)by deleting sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (3) and substituting the following sub-paragraph:
(b)trailer used in connection with the construction, maintenance or repair of roads;”;
(c)by deleting sub-paragraphs (c) and (e) of paragraph (3); and
(d)by inserting, immediately after paragraph (3), the following paragraph:
(4)  The Registrar may, by notice in writing to the owner of a motor vehicle, exempt the vehicle from the application of this rule.”.
Amendment of rule 47
12.  Rule 47 of the principal Rules is amended by inserting, immediately after paragraph (1), the following paragraph:
(1A)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), every goods vehicle and every trailer registered on or after 15th February 2006 shall be fitted at the rear of the vehicle or the trailer, as the case may be, with 2 red reflectors, each having a light emitting surface of at least 25 square centimetres.”.
Amendment of rule 51
13.  Rule 51 (1) of the principal Rules is amended —
(a)by deleting the words “700 millimetres” and substituting the words “550 millimetres”; and
(b)by deleting the words “300 millimetres” and substituting the words “150 millimetres”.
Amendment of rule 56
14.  Rule 56 of the principal Rules is amended —
(a)by deleting the words “3.2 metres” in paragraph (1) and substituting the words “4.0 metres”; and
(b)by deleting the words “3.2 metres but less than 4.6 metres” in paragraph (2) and substituting the words “4.0 metres but less than 4.5 metres”.
Deletion of rule 62
15.  Rule 62 of the principal Rules is deleted.
Amendment of rule 75
16.  Rule 75 of the principal Rules is amended —
(a)by deleting paragraph (1) and substituting the following paragraph:
(1)  The top of the tread of the lowest step provided at any entrance or exit (other than an emergency exit) of a vehicle shall not —
(a)in the case of an omnibus which is registered on or after 15th February 2006, be more than 320 millimetres above the ground when the omnibus is empty; and
(b)in the case of any other vehicle, be more than 430 millimetres or less than 250 millimetres above the ground when the vehicle is empty,
and all steps of the vehicle shall be fitted with non-slip treads.”; and
(b)by inserting, immediately after paragraph (3), the following paragraph:
(3A)  Notwithstanding paragraph (3), the Registrar may permit the tread of each fixed step referred to in paragraph (2) to be less than 230 millimetres wide if he is satisfied that by virtue of its construction and for practical reasons, it cannot be built to be at least 230 millimetres wide.”.
Amendment of rule 77
17.  Rule 77 of the principal Rules is amended —
(a)by deleting the word “and” at the end of paragraph (1)(b);
(b)by deleting the full-stop at the end of sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (1) and substituting the word “; and”, and by inserting immediately thereafter the following sub-paragraph:
(d)on or after 15th February 2006 as an omnibus shall be at least 1,200 millimetres and shall be fitted with a centre stanchion bar in such manner as the Registrar may specify.”; and
(c)by deleting paragraph (2) and substituting the following paragraphs:
(2)  The size of the emergency exit of a vehicle, other than an emergency exit referred to in paragraph (2A), shall be as follows:
(a)in the case of a door, not less than 1.25 metres in height and 0.55 metres in width;
(b)in the case of a window situated at the side, an aperture area of not less than 0.4 square metres with a height of not less than 0.5 metres and a width of not less than 0.7 metres; and
(c)in the case of a window situated at the rear, an aperture area of not less than 0.4 square metres —
(i)with a height of not less than 0.5 metres and a width of not less than 0.7 metres; or
(ii)with a height of not less than 0.35 metres and a width of not less than 1.55 metres.
(2A)  The size of an emergency exit from the upper deck of a double-decked vehicle shall be as follows:
(a)in the case of a window situated in the rear of the vehicle, that window shall not be less than 1.52 metres by 0.46 metres; or
(b)in the case of a window situated on each side of the vehicle, the window shall have an aperture area of not less than 0.4 square metres with a height of not less than 0.5 metres and a width of not less than 0.7 metres.
(2B)  Where a vehicle is fitted with a window intended for use as an emergency exit —
(a)that window shall be made of readily breakable safety glass; and
(b)that vehicle shall be equipped with a hammer or other similar device (located in a conspicuous and readily accessible position of the vehicle) with which the glass may be broken in case of an emergency.”.
Amendment of rule 79A
18.  Rule 79A of the principal Rules is amended by deleting the words “the Schedule” in paragraphs (2) (b), (3), (4) and (5) and substituting in each case the words “Diagram 1 of the Schedule”.
Amendment of rule 81
19.  Rule 81 (1) of the principal Rules is amended by deleting sub-paragraph (a) and substituting the following sub-paragraph:
(a)be clearly marked as such inside and outside the vehicle, in letters not less than 25 millimetres high;”.
Amendment of rule 96
20.  Rule 96 of the principal Rules is amended by deleting paragraph (2) and substituting the following paragraph:
(2)  The apparatus referred to in paragraph (1) shall comply with such specifications and standards as the Registrar may specify.”.
New Part IIIA
21.  The principal Rules are amended by inserting, immediately after rule 97, the following Part:
PART IIIA
RULES RELATING TO WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF CERTAIN PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES
Definitions of this Part
97A.  In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires —
“boarding lift” means a lift fitted to a vehicle for the purpose of allowing a wheelchair user to board and alight from the vehicle;
“boarding ramp” means a ramp fitted to a vehicle for the purpose of allowing a wheelchair user to board and alight from the vehicle;
“contrast” means a contrast in the amount of light which is reflected by the surface of a part of a vehicle or its equipment which is required by this Part to contrast;
“g” means a rate of change of velocity of 9.81 m/s2;
“optical device” means any device (including a mirror, closed circuit television and optical cable) which provides the driver of a vehicle with a view of an area of the vehicle;
“portable ramp” means a ramp which is carried on a vehicle for the purpose of allowing a wheelchair user to board and alight from the vehicle;
“reference wheelchair” means a wheelchair occupied by a wheelchair user having the dimensions shown in Diagram 2 of the Schedule;
“vehicle” means —
(a)any omnibus registered on or after 15th February 2006; or
(b)any public service vehicle which is constructed or adapted to provide access for a wheelchair user and which has a seating capacity of more than 22 persons (excluding the driver);
“wheelchair restraint system” means a system which is designed to keep a wheelchair restrained within the wheelchair space;
“wheelchair space” means the space provided in a vehicle for the purpose of carriage of a wheelchair and a wheelchair user;
“wheelchair user” means a disabled person using a wheelchair;
“wheelchair user restraint system” means a system which is designed to keep a wheelchair user restrained in a wheelchair.
Wheelchair space
97B.—(1)  A vehicle shall be fitted with at least one wheelchair space.
(2)  A wheelchair space shall not be less than —
(a)1,300 millimetres measured in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle;
(b)750 millimetres measured in the transverse plane of the vehicle; and
(c)1,500 millimetres measured vertically from any part of the floor of the wheelchair space.
(3)  Any wheelchair space shall be fitted to the lower deck of a double-deck vehicle.
(4)  A vehicle which is not adapted to carry standing passengers shall be fitted with a wheelchair space which allows a wheelchair user to face the front of the vehicle.
(5)  A vehicle which is adapted to carry standing passengers shall be fitted with a wheelchair space which allows a wheelchair user to face either the front or the back of the vehicle.
(6)  A seat which —
(a)can be tipped or folded and be easily moved out of a wheelchair space; or
(b)can be quickly dismantled or removed and be safely stowed,
may lie within the wheelchair space.
(7)  There shall be a sign on or near any seat referred to in paragraph (6) stating the words “Please give up this seat for a wheelchair user” or words of equivalent meaning.
Forward-facing wheelchair
97C.—(1)  This rule shall apply where a vehicle is fitted with a wheelchair space which allows a wheelchair user to face the front of the vehicle. 
(2)  A wheelchair space shall be fitted with a wheelchair user restraint system and a wheelchair restraint system.
(3)  A wheelchair user restraint system shall comprise —
(a)at least 2 anchorage points; and
(b)a lap belt,
which meet the specifications as specified in the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Seat Belts) Rules (R 15).
(4)  A wheelchair restraint system shall —
(a)comply with the dynamic test carried out in accordance with paragraph (6) (when the wheelchair restraint system is attached to anchorages in accordance with paragraph (6) (a) (i)) and be securely attached to vehicle anchorages which comply with the static test carried out in accordance with paragraph (5); or
(b)be securely attached to vehicle anchorages such that the combination of restraint and anchorages comply with the dynamic test carried out in accordance with paragraph (6) (when the wheelchair restraint system is attached to anchorages in accordance with paragraph (6) (a) (ii)).
(5)  A static test on the anchorage points for a wheelchair restraint system shall be carried out as follows:
(a)a representative section of the vehicle structure together with any fitting provided in the vehicle which is likely to contribute to the strength or rigidity of the structure shall be used;
(b)in the case of anchorages provided for a wheelchair restraint system fitted to a vehicle with maximum laden weight not exceeding 5,000 kilograms —
(i)a force of 11,100 N shall be applied in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle; and
(ii)a force of 5,500 N shall be applied in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and towards the rear of the vehicle;
(c)in the case of anchorages provided for a wheelchair restraint system fitted to a vehicle with maximum laden weight exceeding 5,000 kilograms —
(i)a force of 7,400 N shall be applied in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle; and
(ii)a force of 3,700 N shall be applied in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and towards the rear of the vehicle; and
(d)the forces specified in sub-paragraph (b) or (c) shall be —
(i)applied by means of a device reproducing the geometry of the wheelchair restraint system;
(ii)applied at a height of not less than 200 millimetres and not more than 300 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space;
(iii)applied simultaneously, at an angle of 10°+ 5 above the horizontal plane, in the forward direction and rearward direction;
(iv)applied as rapidly as possible through the central vertical axis of the wheelchair space; and
(v)maintained for a period of not less than 0.2 seconds.
(6)  A dynamic test on a wheelchair restraint system shall be carried out as follows:
(a)the wheelchair restraint system shall be attached to —
(i)anchorages fixed to a test rig which represents the geometry of the anchorages in a vehicle; or
(ii)anchorages forming part of a representative section of the vehicle structure together with any fitting provided in the vehicle which is likely to contribute to the strength or rigidity of the structure;
(b)a representative wheelchair test trolley of mass 85 kilograms shall, from a speed of between 48 km/h and 50 km/h to rest, be subject to a deceleration-time pulse in the forward direction which —
(i)exceeds 15 g for a cumulative period of at least 0.04 seconds;
(ii)exceeds 20 g for a cumulative period of at least 0.015 seconds;
(iii)exceeds 15 g but does not exceed 28 g, for a cumulative period of not more than 0.08 seconds;
(iv)is for an overall duration of at least 0.075 seconds and not more than 0.12 seconds; and
(c)a representative wheelchair test trolley of mass 85 kilograms shall, from a speed of between 48 km/h and 50 km/h to rest, be subject to a deceleration-time pulse in the rearward direction which —
(i)exceeds 5 g for a cumulative period of at least 0.015 seconds; and
(ii)exceeds 5 g but does not exceed 8 g, for a cumulative period of not more than 0.02 seconds.
(7)  For the purpose of this rule, a static test or a dynamic test shall be taken to be complied with only if —
(a)no part of the wheelchair restraint system has failed, or has become detached from its anchorage or from the vehicle, during the test;
(b)mechanisms to release the wheelchair and wheelchair user are capable of release after completion of the test;
(c)the wheelchair does not move more than 200 millimetres in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle during the test; and
(d)no part of the wheelchair restraint system is deformed to such an extent after completion of the test that, because of any sharp edge or other protrusion, the part is capable of causing injury.
Rearward-facing wheelchairs
97D.—(1)  This rule shall apply where a vehicle is fitted with a wheelchair space which allows a wheelchair user to face the rear of the vehicle.
(2)  A wheelchair space shall have a backrest which is —
(a)fitted near the front end of the wheelchair space with a padded surface facing the rear of the vehicle; and
(b)positioned centrally with respect to the front end of the wheelchair space.
(3)  A backrest referred to in paragraph (2) shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)the bottom edge of the backrest shall be at a height of not less than 350 millimetres and not more than 480 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space;
(b)the top edge of the backrest shall be at a height of not less than 1,300 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space;
(c)the width of the backrest —
(i)shall not be less than 270 millimetres and shall not be more than 420 millimetres up to a height of 830 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space; and
(ii)shall not be less than 270 millimetres and shall not be more than 300 millimetres at heights exceeding 830 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space;
(d)the backrest shall be fitted at an angle of not less than 4° and not more than 8° to the vertical with the bottom edge of the backrest positioned closer to the rear of the vehicle than the top edge;
(e)the padded surface of the backrest shall form a single and continuous plane;
(f)the padded surface of the backrest shall —
(i)pass through any point on an imaginary vertical plane situated at the front end of the wheelchair space;
(ii)be situated not less than 100 millimetres and not more than 120 millimetres measured horizontally from the front end of the wheelchair space towards the rear of the vehicle; and
(iii)be situated not less than 830 millimetres and not more than 870 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space; and
(g)the backrest shall not deflect more than 100 millimetres or suffer permanent deformation or damage when a load of 2,000 N is applied —
(i)by means of a block 200 millimetres x 200 millimetres in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle towards the front of the vehicle to the centre of the padded surface of the backrest;
(ii)at a height of not less than 600 millimetres and not more than 800 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space; and
(iii)for a minimum of 2 seconds.
(4)  A wheelchair space shall be fitted with a horizontal handrail which shall —
(a)be fitted along at least one of the longitudinal sides of the wheelchair space;
(b)be at a height of not less than 850 millimetres and not more than 1,000 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space;
(c)run continuously from a point not more than 300 millimetres to a point not less than 1,000 millimetres, both points measured horizontally from the front end of the wheelchair space towards the rear of the vehicle;
(d)not extend into the wheelchair space by more than 90 millimetres measured horizontally from the edge of the wheelchair space;
(e)be capable of being easily and firmly gripped by a wheelchair user;
(f)have a circular cross section with a diameter of not less than 30 millimetres and not more than 35 millimetres;
(g)have a clear space of not less than 45 millimetres between any part of the vehicle and all parts of a handrail other than its mountings;
(h)have a slip-resistant surface; and
(i)contrast with the parts of the vehicle adjacent to the handrail.
(5)  A clear space of not less than 750 millimetres shall be maintained in the lateral plane of a wheelchair space.
(6)  For the purpose of restricting the lateral movement of a reference wheelchair, there shall be a distance of not more than 900 millimetres (measured in the lateral plane of the wheelchair space) between any 2 of the following adjacent means of support fitted on each side of a wheelchair space:
(a)a vertical stanchion;
(b)a retractable rail;
(c)a partition;
(d)a side wall or equipment fitted to the side wall.
(7)  A vertical stanchion referred to in paragraph (6) (a) shall —
(a)be situated near the front end of the wheelchair space;
(b)run continuously from the floor of the wheelchair space to a height of not less than 1,500 millimetres; and
(c)comply with the following requirements:
(i)the base of the stanchion shall not be less than 400 millimetres and not more than 560 millimetres measured horizontally from the front end of the wheelchair space towards the rear of the vehicle; and
(ii)at heights exceeding 775 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space, the stanchion shall not be less than 540 millimetres and not more than 560 millimetres measured horizontally from the front end of the wheelchair space towards the rear of the vehicle.
(8)  A retractable rail, a partition, or a side wall or equipment fitted to the side wall, referred to in paragraph (6) (b), (c) and (d), respectively, shall —
(a)extend continuously from a point not more than 200 millimetres to a point not less than 540 millimetres, both points measured horizontally from the front end of the wheelchair space towards the rear of the vehicle; and
(b)be at a height of not less than 600 millimetres and not more than 800 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space.
(9)  Any means of support referred to in paragraph (6) shall not deflect more than 50 millimetres or suffer permanent deformation or damage when a load of 1,000 N comprising a block measuring 200 millimetres x 200 millimetres is applied —
(a)in the transverse plane of the wheelchair space;
(b)to the centre of the means of support at a height of not less than 600 millimetres and not more than 800 millimetres measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space; and
(c)for a minimum of 2 seconds.
(10)  In this rule, “front end of a wheelchair space” means the end of a wheelchair space that is closer to the front of the vehicle to which the wheelchair space is fitted.
Boarding lifts and ramps
97E.—(1)  A vehicle shall —
(a)be fitted with at least one boarding lift or one boarding ramp; or
(b)carry at least one portable ramp.
(2)  A boarding lift or boarding ramp fitted to a vehicle —
(a)shall have a safe working load of not less than 300 kilograms;
(b)when subject to a uniformly distributed mass equal to 125% of the safe working load for a period of not less than 10 seconds, shall not suffer any permanent deformation or damage when the load is removed;
(c)shall have its maximum safe working load marked in a position which is clearly visible to the operator of the lift or ramp; and
(d)shall not allow the vehicle in the normal course to be driven away, unless the lift or ramp is at its normal position of vehicle travel.
(3)  Any boarding ramp fitted to a vehicle shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)the surface of the ramp shall not be less than 800 millimetres in width;
(b)no part of the surface of a ramp and no part of the vehicle shall present an obstruction greater than 15 millimetres in height measured along a plane parallel to, and above, the surface of the ramp, and in the direction of travel of a reference wheelchair when moved into or from the vehicle;
(c)with the vehicle on a flat surface, in the normal condition for a wheelchair user to board or alight, and with the ramp extended and sitting on a kerb of 150 millimetres in height measured vertically from and parallel to the ground, the surface of a ramp shall have a slope measured over the surface of not more than 7° relative to the ground;
(d)at the intersection of the surface of the kerb and the surface of the ramp, the surface of the ramp shall have a slope of not more than 15° relative to the ground over a distance of not more than 150 millimetres (measured along the surface of the ramp and parallel to the direction of travel of a reference wheelchair when it is moved from the kerb and onto the ramp surface);
(e)at any point other than the intersection referred to in sub-paragraph (d), the surface of the ramp shall have a slope of not more than 15° relative to the ground over a distance of not more than 150 millimetres (measured along the surface of the ramp and parallel to the direction of travel of a reference wheelchair when it is moved into the vehicle) and rising to a height of not more than 15 millimetres (measured above and parallel to the surface of the ramp);
(f)with the vehicle on a flat surface and in the normal condition for a wheelchair user to board or alight, the ramp shall be capable of being extended to, and of sitting on, that surface, and in this position, the surface of the ramp shall have a slope measured over the surface of not more than 20° relative to the ground;
(g)a ramp shall be free of any sharp edge or other protrusion capable of causing injury; and
(h)around and abutting each of the edges of a ramp, there shall be a band of colour of not less than 50 millimetres in width which shall contrast with the remainder of the ramp surface.
(4)  Any boarding lift fitted to a vehicle shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)a lift platform shall not be less than 750 millimetres in width and not be less than 1,200 millimetres in length (excluding the device referred to in sub-paragraph (b) (i));
(b)unless a boarding lift platform is in the lowered position and resting on a surface from which a wheelchair user can board, the following shall apply:
(i)along any side of the lift platform from which a wheelchair user will move on to, or move from, the lift platform, a device of a height not less than 100 millimetres measured vertically above the surface of the lift platform shall operate automatically as the lift is raised above the lowered position;
(ii)when the lift platform is raised to a position which can allow a wheelchair user to move from the lift platform to the floor of the vehicle, the device referred to sub-paragraph (i) shall permit the wheelchair user unobstructed access to the floor of the vehicle;
(iii)along any other side, there shall be a device or structure of a height not less than 25 millimetres measured vertically above the surface of the lift platform; and
(iv)part of the vehicle structure may fulfil the requirements in sub-paragraph (i) or (iii) throughout the operating range of the lift provided that any gaps in the structure are unlikely to cause injury while the lift is in motion;
(c)the vertical operating speed of a lift platform shall not exceed 0.15 m/s;
(d)with the vehicle on a flat surface and in the normal condition for a wheelchair user to board or alight, the lift shall be capable of being lowered to and of sitting on that surface;
(e)where the vertical travel of the lift platform exceeds 500 millimetres, at least one side of the lift platform shall be fitted with a handrail which —
(i)if fitted to the lift platform, shall be at a height of not less than 650 millimetres or more than 1,100 millimetres measured vertically from the surface of the lift platform; or
(ii)if the handrail does not move with the lift platform, shall provide a grasping point for a wheelchair user at a height of not less than 650 millimetres or more than 1,100 millimetres measured vertically from the surface of the lift platform throughout the range of the vertical travel; and
(f)around and abutting each of the edges of a lift, there shall be a band of colour of not less than 50 millimetres in width which shall contrast with the remainder of the lift surface.
(5)  Any power-operated boarding lift or power-operated boarding ramp fitted to a vehicle —
(a)shall be capable of operation —
(i)by means of a control situated in the driver’s cab; or
(ii)by means of a control situated adjacent to the lift or ramp which shall only be capable of operation by means of a master control situated in the driver’s cab;
(b)shall produce an audible signal when in operation;
(c)shall be capable of manual operation, failing which a portable ramp shall be provided;
(d)where the vehicle is fitted with more than one lift or ramp, shall provide for at least one lift or ramp to be capable of manual operation, failing which a portable ramp shall be provided; and
(e)shall not be capable of operation when the vehicle is in motion.
(6)  Any power-operated boarding ramp shall be fitted with a safety device which stops the movement of the ramp if —
(a)the ramp is subject to a reactive force not exceeding 150 N in any direction; and
(b)that motion could cause injury to any person.
(7)  Where a power-operated boarding lift fitted to a vehicle can only be operated by means of a control situated in the driver’s cab, sensors shall be provided.
(8)  The sensors referred to in paragraph (7) shall be capable of stopping the movement of the lift platform if it comes into contact with any thing or person while it is in motion.
(9)  Where a power-operated boarding lift is fitted to a vehicle, and there are areas of that lift which are not visible to a person operating the lift, the lift shall be fitted with a stop control which is within easy reach of any user of the lift and which can be operated with the palm of the hand.
(10)  Where the operation of a power-operated boarding lift is stopped by the sensors referred to in paragraph (8) or the stop control referred to in paragraph (9), the lift platform must be capable of being reversed.
(11)  Where a portable ramp is carried in a vehicle, the ramp —
(a)shall not be easily moved when it is being used by a wheelchair user and it is in the normal position for the wheelchair user to board or alight from the vehicle;
(b)shall be provided with a stowage position in a position where it is readily available for use;
(c)shall be capable of being securely stowed in the stowing position so as to minimise the risk of injury to any person; and
(d)shall comply with the requirements in paragraphs (2) (a), (b) and (c) and (3) as if references to “boarding ramp” were references to “portable ramp”.
(12)  In this rule “master control” means a control which enables another control to activate the relevant system, but which is not itself alone capable of activating that system.
Entrances and exits
97F.—(1)  Notwithstanding rule 77 (1), any entrance or exit of a vehicle which is intended to provide access for a wheelchair user shall have a clear unobstructed width of not less than 800 millimetres.
(2)  Subject to paragraph (3), where an entrance or exit of a vehicle which is intended to provide access for a wheelchair user is fitted with a power-operated boarding lift or a power-operated boarding ramp which is not within the direct field of vision of the driver —
(a)the entrance or exit shall be fitted with an optical device; and
(b)the optical device shall enable the driver to have a clear unobstructed view of the inside and outside of the door area and of the operation of the lift or ramp.
(3)  Paragraph (2) shall not apply to a power-operated boarding lift or a power-operated boarding ramp which can only be operated by a control fitted in accordance with rule 97E (5) (a) (ii).
Gangways
97G.  Notwithstanding rule 83 (1), any gangway between a wheelchair space and an entrance or exit of a vehicle intended to provide access for a wheelchair user —
(a)shall allow a reference wheelchair to be moved from an entrance to the wheelchair space and from the wheelchair space to an exit, with the wheelchair user moving in a forward facing direction, and to be moved (in either direction) from the gangway into the wheelchair space in the appropriate direction for travel; and
(b)shall not be less than 750 millimetres wide at any point along the gangway.
Signs and markings
97H.—(1)  A vehicle shall have a sign conforming with Diagram 3 of the Schedule, or a sign of equivalent meaning conforming to the dimensions in that diagram, which —
(a)is coloured white on a blue background;
(b)has dimensions of not less than 150 millimetres by 150 millimetres when fitted externally or of not less than 60 millimetres by 60 millimetres when fitted internally; and
(c)is situated —
(i)on the exterior of the vehicle and adjacent to any entrance for a wheelchair user;
(ii)on the interior of the vehicle and adjacent to any exit for a wheelchair user;
(iii)adjacent to any wheelchair space; and
(iv)in a position clearly visible to a wheelchair user.
(2)  There shall be situated adjacent to a wheelchair space and in a position clearly visible to a wheelchair user —
(a)a sign indicating the direction that the wheelchair and the wheelchair user shall face during travel; and
(b)appropriate safety instructions explaining the use of the wheelchair space.
(3)  Where a vehicle is fitted with a wheelchair space for a forward-facing wheelchair in accordance with the requirements of rule 97C, instructions on the use of the wheelchair restraint system and wheelchair user restraint system shall be situated in a position readily visible to any person using the system.
Communication devices
97I.—(1)  A communication device in a vehicle shall be fitted —
(a)adjacent to a wheelchair space and in such a manner that it can readily be used by a wheelchair user occupying the wheelchair space; and
(b)on the exterior of the vehicle adjacent to any entrance (other than an entrance that is in the rear of the vehicle) for wheelchair access which is outside the direct view of the driver.
(2)  Where the entrance for wheelchair access is in the rear of the vehicle, a communication device shall be fitted —
(a)on the rearmost part of the side face of the vehicle from which passengers will board the vehicle; and
(b)at a height of not less than 850 millimetres and not more than 1,000 millimetres measured vertically from the ground (with the vehicle at its minimum height if it is fitted with a kneeling system) to the centre of the device.
(3)  Any communication device fitted in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)the device shall be capable of being operated by the palm of the hand;
(b)the surround of the device shall contrast with the device and with the surface on which the surround is mounted;
(c)when operated, the device shall activate an audible signal which enables the driver to identify that the device has been activated;
(d)where the device is fitted in accordance with paragraph (1) (a) and has been activated, the device shall, upon subsequent activation, provide a visual signal which is visible to the driver; and
(e)the visual signal referred to in sub-paragraph (d) shall only be capable of being de-activated upon the opening of at least one of the exits of the vehicle.
Lighting
97J.—(1)  A vehicle shall be fitted with lighting to illuminate the interior and exterior of a vehicle which is sufficient to allow a wheelchair user to safely board and alight from the vehicle.
(2)  Any lighting fitted to a vehicle shall be capable of being turned off when the vehicle is in motion if its use is likely to adversely affect the driver’s vision.”.
Deletion of rule 98
22.  Rule 98 of the principal Rules is deleted.
Deletion and substitution of rule 126
23.  Rule 126 of the principal Rules is deleted and the following rule substituted therefor:
Visual display unit
126.—(1)  No person shall use or install for use in a motor vehicle a visual display unit if —
(a)the screen is partly or wholly visible to the driver whilst in the driving seat, whether directly or otherwise; or
(b)the controls thereof, other than the sound volume control and the main switch, are within reach of the driver whilst in the driving seat.
(2)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a visual display unit may be used or installed in a motor vehicle if —
(a)it displays information about the state of the vehicle or its equipment;
(b)it is solely used for the purpose of navigating the vehicle;
(c)it is used to assist the driver to see the area surrounding the vehicle;
(d)it is part of a message display or fare system used in public service vehicles;
(e)it is used solely by the civil defence or police forces for special purposes; or
(f)it is used to display such information as the Registrar may approve.
(3)  No person shall drive, or cause or permit to be driven, a motor vehicle on a road if the visual display unit is installed in a manner or position that —
(a)causes distraction to the driver of any other vehicle on the road;
(b)poses a safety hazard; or
(c)interferes with the transmission of signals between an in-vehicle unit and any ERP facility.
(4)  In this rule —
“ERP facility” and “in-vehicle unit” have the same meanings as in the Road Traffic (Electronic Road Pricing System) Rules (R 38);
“visual display unit” means any appliance or electronic system which displays information in the form of images or words on a screen.”.
Amendment of Schedule
25.  The Schedule to the principal Rules is amended by inserting, immediately below the words “THE SCHEDULE” in the heading, the words “Diagram 1”, and by inserting immediately after that diagram the following diagrams:
Diagram 2
UNKNOWN
Diagram 3
UNKNOWN”.
[G.N. Nos. S 7/2001; S 431/2001; S 271/2002; S 771/2004; S5/2005; S 127/2005]

Made this 14th day of February 2006.

MICHAEL LIM CHOO SAN
Chairman,
Land Transport Authority of Singapore.
[L17.007.000/15; AG/LEG/SL/276/2005/22 Vol. 1]
(To be presented to Parliament under section 141(1) of the Road Traffic Act).