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Vehicle Inspection

Singapore Vehicle Inspection (VICOM/STA) & Road Tax Guide 2026

Complete guide to vehicle inspection (VICOM / STA Inspection) and LTA Road Tax renewal in Singapore. Explains inspection schedules, engine cc calculations, & EV surcharges.

Statutory Overview & Driving Framework

Vehicle safety inspection and Road Tax renewal in Singapore are mandatory regulations enforced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) under the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276). All motor vehicles registered in Singapore must undergo periodic inspection at authorized inspection centers—VICOM, STA Inspection, or JIC Inspection—to verify roadworthiness, exhaust emissions, and brake efficiency. Private cars over 3 years old must be inspected every 2 years, while cars over 10 years old require annual inspection. Passing inspection and holding valid 3rd-party motor insurance are compulsory prerequisites for renewing 6-month or 12-month LTA Road Tax. Use this guide to manage vehicle inspection and road tax in Singapore.

Singapore Traffic Police Enforcement Notice

Singapore strictly enforces left-hand driving rules, digital speed cameras, ERP 2.0 satellite toll gantries, and zero-tolerance drink driving limits (35mcg/100ml breath limit under RTA Sec 67).

Key Road Regulations & Legal Mandates

Mandatory Inspection Frequency Schedule (>3 Yrs & >10 Yrs)Inspection Schedule

Cars 1-3 yrs (Exempt), 3-10 yrs (Every 2 years), >10 yrs (Annual inspection mandatory).

LTA Road Tax Engine Capacity (cc) FormulaRoad Tax Formula

Road Tax is calculated on engine cc (e.g., 1,600cc = S$744/year; 2,000cc = S$1,200/year; >3,000cc higher rates).

Electric Vehicle (EV) Road Tax & ARF Surcharge RulesEV Road Tax

EV road tax is based on electric motor power rating (kW) plus an annual EV Surcharge (S$700/year).

Compulsory Motor Insurance Renewal PrerequisiteMotor Insurance

Must have valid motor insurance covering full road tax renewal period before LTA permits tax payment.

Qualification & Compliance Requirements

Applies to all private cars, goods vehicles, motorcycles, and taxis registered in Singapore.

Inspection checks emissions, braking system, wheel alignment, headlamps, chassis, and window tinting (min 70% VLT front).

Failed vehicles receive a re-inspection slip and must rectify faults within 14 days.

Late road tax renewal incurs LTA late fees ranging from S$10 to S$100 depending on delay.

Statutory Document & Driving Checklist

Road Traffic (Inspection of Motor Vehicles) Rules

LTA Inspection Notice Letter / SMS Notification

VICOM / STA / JIC Vehicle Inspection Pass Certificate

Certificate of Insurance (covering 6 or 12 months)

LTA OneMotoring Road Tax Renewal Receipt

Step-by-Step Driving & Licensing Process

Receive LTA Inspection Notice via Mail or SMS

LTA sends inspection notice 3 months before road tax expiry date.

Drive Vehicle to VICOM, STA, or JIC Inspection Center

Drive to any authorized center (no prior appointment needed); pay inspection fee (approx S$68).

Pass Inspection & Emission Test

Inspectors test brakes, headlamps, side slip, and exhaust emissions. System updates LTA automatically upon pass.

Renew 3rd-Party or Comprehensive Motor Insurance

Purchase motor insurance covering at least the full 6 or 12 months of the new road tax period.

Pay Road Tax Online via LTA OneMotoring or GIRO

Log into OneMotoring portal via Singpass and pay road tax fee; confirmation is instant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Cars under 3 years old are exempt. Cars between 3 and 10 years old require inspection every 2 years. Cars over 10 years old require annual inspection.

Authorized inspection centers include VICOM Inspection Centers (Sin Ming, Bukit Batok, Changi, Yishun, Kaki Bukit), STA Inspection (Sin Ming, Boon Lay), and JIC Inspection (Pioneer, Ang Mo Kio).

A standard private car vehicle inspection costs approximately S$68.04 (inclusive of 9% GST).

Road Tax is calculated based on engine displacement (cc). For example, a 1,600cc car pays S$744 per year, while a 2,000cc car pays S$1,200 per year. Cars over 10 years old pay a surcharge of 10% to 50% per year.

No. LTA system blocks Road Tax renewal if the vehicle is due for inspection and has not passed.

LTA rules require front windscreen and front side windows to allow at least 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT). Rear side windows and rear windscreen must allow at least 25% VLT.

Statutory Benchmark Metrics

Authorized Centers

VICOM, STA, & JIC

Inspection (>3 Yrs)

Every 2 Years

Inspection (>10 Yrs)

Annual Mandatory Inspection

Tax Admin Body

LTA (OneMotoring Portal)

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Singapore Traffic & Driving Security

Verify official foreign driving license conversion rules, BTT exam booking, DIPS demerit point status, and OneMotoring COE bidding on official Singapore portals.

Access LTA OneMotoring Portal

✔ Official LTA & Traffic Police Service