How Often Do You Need to Inspect a Car in Singapore?

How often do you need to inspect a car in Singapore? In Singapore, ensuring that your vehicle remains roadworthy and complies with safety and emission standards is a critical responsibility for all vehicle owners. The frequency of mandatory vehicle inspections is determined by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and varies based on the type and age of the vehicle.

This article synthesizes information from authoritative sources to provide a comprehensive overview of vehicle inspection requirements in Singapore, highlighting the importance of adherence to enhance road safety, minimize vehicular breakdowns, and reduce road accidents.

Frequency of Vehicle Inspections

Vehicle inspections are pivotal for maintaining the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles in Singapore. According to the LTA, the inspection frequency is specifically tailored to the vehicle type and its age:

• Cars are exempt from inspection for the first three years. Between 3 to 10 years, cars require biennial inspections, and those over 10 years old must be inspected annually.
• Motorcycles and Scooters have similar guidelines, with inspections commencing annually after the first three years.
• Tuition Cars, Taxis, Omnibuses, and Chauffeured Private Hire Cars have more frequent inspection requirements due to their nature of use, including semi-annual inspections for taxis and omnibuses.

Vehicles equipped with compressed natural gas (CNG) or bi-fuel CNG systems have additional inspection requirements every three months to ensure the safety and functionality of these systems​​​​.

Also Read : How To Check Vehicle Inspection Status In Singapore?

Inspection Process

The inspection process in Singapore is thorough, ensuring that vehicles meet stringent safety and emission standards. During an inspection, various components of the vehicle are examined, including the structural integrity of the chassis frame, the wheel system, braking and steering systems, the condition of the vehicle’s body, and the propulsion system to ensure that emission and noise levels comply with the National Environment Agency’s standards​​.

Inspection Centres and Costs

Vehicle owners can take their vehicles to any LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre (AIC) without needing an appointment, although it’s advisable to avoid peak times to minimize waiting periods. Inspection costs vary depending on the vehicle type and whether any additional tests are required, such as the Diesel Smoke Test for diesel-driven vehicles or the Hydrocarbon Emission Test for older petrol vehicles​​.

Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR)

The Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR) targets vehicles with illegal modifications, subjecting them to more frequent inspections. This initiative underscores the LTA’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards on Singapore’s roads​​​​.

Also Read : How To Check Vehicle Inspection Date In Singapore?

Conclusion

Vehicle inspections are a critical aspect of vehicle ownership in Singapore, designed to ensure that all vehicles on the road are safe and environmentally friendly. Adhering to the inspection schedule not only contributes to the safety of the vehicle’s occupants but also to the safety of all road users. Vehicle owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the inspection requirements for their specific vehicle type and to plan accordingly to ensure compliance with Singapore’s stringent road safety and environmental standards.

This overview, based on information from the LTA, VICOM, and other authoritative sources, underscores the importance of regular vehicle inspections for maintaining road safety and vehicle performance in Singapore. For detailed information on vehicle inspection frequencies, processes, and costs, vehicle owners should consult the LTA website or contact an authorized inspection centre directly.