In Singapore, all vehicles have to undergo a vehicle inspection by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) after three years of use. This ensures that cars meet emission standards and remain roadworthy. The inspection process helps keep Singapore’s roads safer and makes sure that drivers are driving safe and reliable vehicles.
Before taking your vehicle to an inspection centre, it’s important to know the procedures so you can complete the process quickly and efficiently.
This guide provides all the information you need to know about vehicle inspections in Singapore.
Table of Contents
What is a vehicle inspection in Singapore?
Vehicle inspection in Singapore is a mandatory procedure that ensures the safety, efficiency, and road worthiness of a vehicle.
This process also helps to enforce compliance with the rules laid out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The primary purpose of vehicle inspection is to assess whether the vehicle meets minimum conditions for safe operation on public roads.
Types of vehicle inspections in Singapore
Vehicle inspections in Singapore can be classified into two types. The first is biennial vehicle inspection (BVI), which must be conducted every two years for all vehicles except for motorcycles, which must be inspected on an annual basis.
BVI’s are mandatory as part of the process to renew your vehicle’s road tax and certificate of entitlement (COE).
The second type is an ad-hoc inspection requested by a member of the public or by a government agency. These may be required when a vehicle has been modified or is suspected to have been used in an illegal activity.
How often do I need to get my car inspected?
The inspection frequency is determined by the type and age of your vehicle. You will receive an inspection notice from the Land Transport Authority within 3 months before your vehicle’s inspection due date.
| Type of Vehicle | Age of vehicle: Below 3 years | Age of vehicle: 3 to 10 years | Age of vehicle: More than 10 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | Nil | Every 2 years | Annually |
| Motorcycle/Scooter | Nil | Annually | Annually |
| Tuition Car | Annually | Annually | Annually |
| Taxi* | 6-monthly | 6-monthly | N.A |
| Chauffeured Private Hire Car^ | Annually | Annually | Annually |
| Omnibus* | 6-monthly | 6-monthly | 6-monthly |
| All Other Buses* | Annually | Annually | 6-monthly |
| Goods Vehicle | Annually | Annually | 6-monthly |
| Trailer | Annually | Annually | Annually |
*Taxis and buses installed with compressed natural gas (CNG) or bi-fuel CNG systems must have their systems checked every 3 months.
^From 1 January 2021 onwards, all cars converting into Chauffeured Private Hire Cars will be required to undergo a conversion inspection if they do not have a valid periodic inspection pass result within the 3 months prior to conversion.
What do you need to bring for an inspection?
For vehicles that require mandatory inspection, no notice from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is necessary to proceed with an inspection at the inspection centre. Just make sure your vehicle is due for its check-up and you can go ahead with the process.
Inspection process
During periodic inspections, the following will be checked:
| Structural integrity | The condition of the core structure of the chassis frame |
| Wheel system | The operating condition of the tyres, suspension, shock absorber, wheel bearing, and the alignment of wheels |
| Braking system | The braking efficiency of both service and parking brakes |
| Steering system | The vehicle’s drive shafts and steering system which would affect the vehicle’s directional stability |
| Condition of the vehicle’s body | The vehicle’s body, seat belts, windscreen, door latch and hinges, and other key components |
| Visual & Indication system | Vehicle’s headlamps, reflectors, rear view mirror, direction indicators, windscreen wipers, horn, etc |
| Propulsion system | The vehicle’s exhaust system, to ensure that the emissions and noise levels meet the prevailing standards set by the National Environment Agency |
Find vehicle inspection centre near me
You can choose to drive your vehicle to any LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre (AIC) for the periodic inspection without any appointment booking.
Motorists are advised to expect longer wait time during the peak 10am – 2pm period.
| Inspection Centre | Location | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| JIC Inspection Services Pte Ltd (Ang Mo Kio) | 21 Ang Mo Kio Street 63 Singapore 569118 Tel: 6484 7370 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 5.30pm Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
| JIC Inspection Services Pte Ltd (Pioneer) | 53 Pioneer Road Singapore 628505 Tel: 6863 9639 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 5.30pm Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
| STA Inspection Pte Ltd (Boon Lay) | 249 Jalan Boon Lay Singapore 619523 Tel: 6261 6178 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm (close at 5pm on Public Holiday eve) Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
| STA Inspection Pte Ltd (Sin Ming) | 302 Sin Ming Road Singapore 575627 Tel: 6452 1398 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm (close at 5pm on Public Holiday eve) Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
| VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Bukit Batok) | 511 Bukit Batok Street 23 Singapore 659545 Tel: 6458 4555 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
| VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Changi) | 20 Changi North Crescent Singapore 499613 Tel: 6458 4555 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 5.30pm Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
| VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Kaki Bukit) | 23 Kaki Bukit Avenue 4 Singapore 415933 Tel: 6458 4555 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
| VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Sin Ming) | 385 Sin Ming Drive Singapore 575718 Tel: 6458 4555 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
| VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Yishun) | 501 Yishun Industrial Park A Singapore 768732 Tel: 6458 4555 | Monday – Friday: 8am – 5.30pm Saturday: 8am – 5pm Sunday & Public Holidays closed |
How much does a vehicle inspection cost?
The cost for a standard inspection of your vehicle at an LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre will vary depending on the type and make of your car.
Be sure to check with each individual centre for their specific prices at the table below.
Inspection Fee List
The inspection price list for Vicom, STA and JIC is the same (Pricing accurate as of 10 March 2023).
| Type of vehicles | Inspection Fees (1st Inspection) | Inspection Fees (Re-Inspection) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle & Scooter | S$20.52 | S$10.26 |
| Additional Test Required: Hydrocarbon Emission Test (Motorcycle registered on or after 1 Jul 2003)* | S$2.16 | S$10.26 |
| Classic Motorcycle Seal Inspection | S$11.88 | S$11.88 |
| Car (Internal Combustion Engine or Electric) | S$68.04 | S$34.02 |
| Additional Test Required: High Idle Emission Test (Petrol Vehicle registered on or after 1 April 2014)* | S$7.56 | S$34.02 |
| Hydrocarbon Emission Test (Petrol Vehicle registered before 1 April 2014)* | S$2.16 | S$34.02 |
| Diesel Smoke Test | S$21.60 | S$21.60 |
| Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Inspection | S$14.04 | S$14.04 |
| Off Peak Car (OPC) Seal Inspection | S$11.88 | S$11.88 |
| Classic Car Seal Inspection | S$11.88 | S$11.88 |
| Private Hire Vehicle Car (PHV) / Tuition Car | S$68.04 | S$34.02 |
| Additional Test Required: High Idle Emission Test (Petrol Vehicle registered on or after 1 April 2014)* | S$7.56 | S$34.02 |
| Hydrocarbon Emission Test (Petrol Vehicle registered before 1 April 2014)* | S$2.16 | S$34.02 |
| Diesel Smoke Test | S$21.60 | S$21.60 |
| Private Hire Vehicle Car Decal Inspection | S$11.88 | S$11.88 |
| Light Goods Vehicle (G Plate) | S$68.04 | S$34.02 |
| Additional Test Required: High Idle Emission Test Petrol Vehicle registered on or after 1 April 2014)* | S$7.56 | S$34.02 |
| Hydrocarbon Emission Test Petrol Vehicle registered before 1 April 2014)* | S$2.16 | S$34.02 |
| Diesel Smoke Test (Light Goods Vehicle) | S$21.60 | S$21.60 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle / Bus (2 Axles. E.g P, Y Plate) | S$79.92 | S$39.96 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle / Bus (>2 Axles. E.g P, X Plate) | S$86.40 | S$46.44 |
| Additional Test Required: Diesel Smoke Test (Heavy Goods Vehicle and Bus) | S$32.40 | S$32.40 |
| Trailer | S$68.04 | S$34.02 |
| Taxi | S$68.04 | S$34.02 |
| Additional Test Required: High Idle Emission Test (Petrol Vehicle registered on or after 1 April 2014)* | S$7.56 | S$34.02 |
| Diesel Smoke Test | S$21.60 | S$21.60 |
| Other Additional Statutory Test Requirements New Seal / Re-seal For OPC / Classic Vehicle | S$22.68 | N.A |
| Airfield Vehicle Inspection | S$21.60 | S$21.60 |
| Private Hire Vehicle Car Decal Installation and Registration | S$22.49 | N.A |
How to pay for the vehicle inspection?
You can choose to pre-pay your inspection fee using VICOM Diners Card or PayNow online via the Vicom website. This method allows you to skip the payment process at the inspection centre and you can proceed directly for your vehicle inspection.
Otherwise, you will have to make payment at the inspection centre before the inspection via the payment kiosk or payment counter.
- STA: Payment can be made via cash, NETS, credit card.
- Vicom: Payment can be made via cash, NETS, or DINERS card.
- JIC: Payment can be made via cash, NETS or DINERS card.
What is Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR)
The Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR) is a set of regulations that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has put in place in order to prevent illegal modifications on vehicles.
Any vehicle that is found to have had its engine or exhaust system illegally modified more than once will be subject to more frequent inspections. Failure to comply with these rules can result in hefty fines and other penalties.
| Illegal modification of engine or exhaust system | Enhanced Inspection Regime |
|---|---|
| Second-time offender | Vehicle has to be inspected every 6 months for 2 years |
| Third-time and more frequent offender | Vehicle has to be inspected every 3 months for 2 years |
How to prepare your vehicle for an inspection?
Before sending your car for inspection, it is recommended that you have it serviced by a qualified mechanic.
Doing so will give you the best chance of passing inspection on the first attempt. Additionally, it is advisable to get your vehicle serviced a few weeks prior to the inspection date as any potential issues may need time to be resolved.
Ultimately, regular servicing will help keep your car in good condition and increase its chances of passing inspection.
If you are looking to buy or sell a used car, it’s a good idea to send the vehicle for an inspection.
This inspection will give you peace of mind that the car has been checked for any issues and is safe and ready to use.
Inspections are necessary in order to assess the condition of the car, spot any potentially serious problems, and give both the buyer and seller an understanding of what should be expected from the car.
How will I get informed of the inspection results?
After your vehicle has undergone all the necessary stages of its inspection, you will be informed of the results onsite and you can view the results online by logging in to LTA OneMotoring’s website, under License -> Enquire Vehicle’s Inspection History, immediately after the conclusion of your car inspection.
If there are any issues that need to be rectified, you will need to do so before bringing your car back in for re-inspection. A test certificate will only be issued upon request.
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How long does it take to get a car inspection in Singapore?
It is generally a quick process and should not take more than 15 minutes to complete. However, as the inspection centre does not accept bookings, one may need to wait in line before being able to have the vehicle inspected. During peak hours between 11am and 2pm, expect longer waiting lines.
What happens if you fail car inspection Singapore?
If your vehicle does not meet the necessary requirements during the inspection, then you will be advised to fix the issue. Depending on the severity, some defects may be able to be rectified within the same day at no extra charge and re-inspection would be allowed.
Do you need to book vehicle inspection in Singapore?
No, you don’t. Vehicle inspections in Singapore are conducted by the inspectors, who will take charge of the vehicles and guide owners through the process. Alternatively, a self-drive option is available on request.
How to check my vehicle inspection date Singapore?
To find out the date of your next vehicle inspection in Singapore, you can go online to LTA OneMotoring’s website. Under the “Check Inspection History” tab, you’ll need to log in using your SingPass to access the inspection information.
What documents do I need to bring for the vehicle inspection?
No documents are required when getting your car inspected; however, be aware that it can take up to 45 minutes to have your vehicle inspected during peak hours (10am-2pm). So you may want to plan ahead and come prepared for a little bit of waiting.
