Car inspection centres play a vital role in making sure that your vehicle is roadworthy and doesn't pose risks to others on the road.
Keeping your car in top shape isn't just about smooth rides-it’s about safety on the road for everyone. Plus, it ensures that your car meets Singapore's emission requirements, thus reducing urban pollution.
In Singapore, all car owners must pass periodic vehicle inspections to renew their road tax. In this post, we’ll go over everything concerning car inspections and what to expect at a car inspection centre so that you can breeze through this process while saving time and money.
Table of contents:
- What Is Vehicle Inspection in Singapore?
- How Often Do You Need to Inspect Your Car?
- How to Check Your Car’s Inspection Due Date
- How to retrieve LTA Vehicle Inspection Notice
- What Do You Need to Bring for Car Inspection?
- Pre-car Inspection Checks
- Car Inspection Process
- How Much Time Does Car Inspection Take?
- What Do They Check in a Car Inspection?
- Does Off-Peak Car Have the Same Inspection Process?
- Car Inspection Centres Near You
- How Much Does Car Inspection Cost?
- Discounts for Inspection Services
- Drive Worry-Free on the Road
What Is Vehicle Inspection in Singapore?
Vehicle inspection is a periodic assessment of your car by certified inspectors at Land Transport Authority (LTA)-approved inspection centres. They assess your vehicle for structural integrity, emissions, and mechanical functionality based on passing standards set by LTA. The goal of the inspection is to ensure your car’s roadworthiness, minimising potential breakdowns and road accidents causing inconvenience to other road users.
Vehicle inspection is mandatory. Even if you take good care of your car by getting regular servicing at a workshop, LTA still needs to inspect it periodically.
LTA regularly reviews the frequency and passing standards of the inspection test to ensure that they are in line with the latest international standards and practices.
How Often Do You Need to Inspect Your Car?
The frequency of inspection depends on your vehicle’s type and age.
However, if you infringe LTA guidelines and illegally modify your car's vehicle and exhaust system, your vehicle will be inspected more often under LTA’s Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR).
Vehicle Inspection Frequency |
|||
Type of Vehicle |
Age of Vehicle |
||
Below 3 years |
3 to 10 years |
> 10 years |
|
Motorcycle/Scooter |
Nil |
Annually |
Annually |
Car |
Nil |
Every 2 years |
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 |
Source: OneMotoring
*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.
Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR)
If you change your car's engine or exhaust system illegally and get caught more than once, you’ll have to go for inspections more often under LTA’s Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR)—the number of inspections increases for repeat offenders.
So, before making any modifications, consult your dealer for the manufacturer's recommendations and make sure they comply with LTA guidelines.
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 Check Your Car’s Inspection Due Date
You can check your car’s periodic inspection due date on OneMotoring.
- Go to ‘Digital Services’
- Type in the search bar ‘inspection’ to filter the digital services quickly.
- Select ‘Enquire When Vehicle is Due for Inspection (Requires Login)”
- Log in with your Singpass when prompted.
How to retrieve LTA Vehicle Inspection Notice
LTA Vehicle Inspection Notice is available three months before your vehicle’s inspection due date. An SMS will be sent to your registered mobile number notifying you of the due date and directing you to download the Inspection Notice from your OneMotoring account's e-letter inbox. Simply log in and look for the 'e-Letter Inbox' icon on the dashboard.
But when you go for the inspection, you don't have to take this notice with you.
What Do You Need to Bring for Car Inspection?
You do not need to bring any documents for the inspection. Even if you misplaced the LTA Inspection Notice, you can still get your vehicle inspected without it. The authorised inspection centres have your vehicle details.
Pre-car Inspection Checks
To increase your chances of passing the inspection and avoid having to go back to the inspection centres for a re-inspection - costing you more time and money - you can do a few simple checks yourself before the inspection.
- Make sure all the signal and warning lights work.
- Check that the horns, wipers, and washer work.
- Check tyres to see if they're worn out or bulging on the sides.
- Check the level of brake oil
What Happens at the Car Inspection Centre?
Vehicle inspection has to be done by a LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre (AIC). No prior booking is required.
When You arrive at the Car Inspection Centre
Drive your car into the correct lane (according to your vehicle type). If other cars are in front of you, you have to wait in line. When it is your turn, the inspector will take over your car and drive it through the inspection lane.
During the Inspection Test
While your car is tested, you can pay for the inspection at the centre’s payment counter.
After the Inspection Test
After the inspection, you'll receive an inspection certificate if your vehicle passes. But if you fail the vehicle inspection, the inspector will tell you what needs fixing. After the issues are resolved, you'll need to return for a re-inspection.
How Much Time Does Car Inspection Take?
The inspection process takes about 15 minutes.
However, during peak hours between 11am and 2pm, expect a longer wait time before your turn for the inspection.
What Do They Check in a Car Inspection?
During the inspection, the assessor will check your car for the following.
Inspection Checklist |
|
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. |
Source: OneMotoring
Does Off-Peak Car Have the Same Inspection Process?
Off-peak cars have the same inspection process.
In addition, off-peak cars are to undergo the number plate seal inspection annually.
Car Inspection Centres Near You
There are nine inspection centres island-wide, so it’s pretty easy to find one close by. You don’t have to schedule an appointment beforehand; just drive in when they are open.
If you can’t find time to go down on weekdays, you can also do your vehicle inspection on Saturdays.
LTA-Authorised Vehicle Inspection Centres |
Operating Hours |
JIC Inspection Services Pte Ltd (Ang Mo Kio) 21 Ang Mo Kio Street 63 Singapore 569118 Tel: 6484 7370 |
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 8 am - 5 pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
JIC Inspection Services Pte Ltd (Pioneer) 53 Pioneer Road Singapore 628505 Tel: 6863 9639 |
|
STA Inspection Pte Ltd (Boon Lay) 249 Jalan Boon Lay Singapore 619523 Tel: 6261 6178 |
Monday - Friday 8 am - 8 pm* (close at 5pm on eve of Public Holidays) Saturday 8 am - 5 pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
STA Inspection Pte Ltd (Sin Ming) 302 Sin Ming Road Singapore 575627 Tel: 6452 1398 |
|
VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Bukit Batok) 511 Bukit Batok Street 23 Singapore 659545 Tel : 6458 4555 |
Monday - Friday 8 am - 8 pm Saturday 8am - 5pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Changi) 20 Changi North Crescent Singapore 499613 Tel : 6458 4555 |
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 8am - 5pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Kaki Bukit) 23 Kaki Bukit Avenue 4 Singapore 415933 Tel : 6458 4555 |
Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm Saturday 8am - 5pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Sin Ming) 385 Sin Ming Drive Singapore 575718 Tel : 6458 4555 |
Monday - Friday 8 am - 8 pm Saturday 8am - 5pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Yishun) 501 Yishun Industrial Park A Singapore 768732 Tel : 6458 4555 |
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 8am - 5pm Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. |
Source: OneMotoring
How Much Does Car Inspection Cost?
Unfortunately, car inspection is not free. You have to pay for the periodic vehicle inspection.
The inspection cost for a private car is $68.04 for the first inspection and $34.02 for re-inspection.
Discounts for Inspection Services
Save on your inspection costs with these cool discounts.
JIC Inspection Centres |
|
NTUC Union members |
Redeem 3 LinkPoints for every $1 spent. Promotion applies to private cars owned by members. |
STA Inspection Centres |
|
AA Members |
Enjoy 10% off vehicle inspection service. |
GoParkin Mobile App |
Flash the GoParkin mobile app during payment to enjoy 10% off vehicle inspection service. |
VICOM Inspection Centres |
|
NTUC Union members |
Redeem 1.3 LinkPoints for every $1 spent. Promotion applies to private cars owned by members. |
Drive Worry-Free on the Road
Passing your vehicle inspection is a prerequisite for renewing your road tax.
When your car gets inspected on time, it gives you plenty of time to renew your road tax. It helps avoid a situation where you’re driving with an expired vehicle inspection certificate and road tax.
It's all about ensuring safety and peace of mind on the road with timely visits to your car inspection centre.
Don't forget, once your vehicle meets all the necessary standards, take the next step towards complete road readiness by comparing car insurance plans to find the best protection for your ride!
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