Car Inspection in Singapore: Everything You Need To Know

A vehicle inspection is an important process in Singapore that all vehicle owners must go through to guarantee that their cars are safe and roadworthy. A notice for vehicle evaluation in Singapore will be sent to the vehicle owner by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The inspection covers many aspects, from the tyres and brakes to the engine and exhaust system.

The car inspection is carried out by authorised personnel at authorised inspection centres. The car inspection process includes a visual check of the exterior and interior of the vehicle and a test drive.

In addition to safety-related defects, inspectors also check for compliance with emissions standards and roadworthiness requirements.  

Car inspection in Singapore is an essential process because it helps ensure the safety of all drivers and passengers on the road. In addition, it helps to keep our environment clean by ensuring that vehicles meet emissions standards.

It is essential to get cars inspected regularly, as this will help prevent any major defects from developing. If a defect or flaw is found, the inspector will give you a repairable or unrepairable status, depending on the severity of the defect.

The frequency of inspection in Singapore also depends on the type of vehicle you have. For instance, private cars, tuition cars, and motorcycles must undergo an annual inspection, while commercial vehicles must undergo a bi-annual car inspection. Here’s a table for the normal inspection schedules depending on the different vehicle types:

Table source from Land Transport Authority (LTA) website (as at Nov 2022)

If you are to have your vehicle inspected, the first step is to make an appointment with an inspection centre. You can call the LTA enquiry hotline or visit the LTA website.

Once you arrive at the inspection centre, the inspector will lead your car to the inspection lane, and then he will proceed to inspect the outside and the inside of your vehicle. But not everything in between, like what’s under the car or in the engine compartment.

The inspector might ask you to move around with them to make sure they can see all sides of your car, or they might want to drive it for a while first to check everything out.

The entire process can take about an hour or two. You need to go to an authorised car inspection centre and bring your vehicle’s registration card, driver’s licence and car insurance.

These car inspectors may perform several tests and inspections, such as inspection of the braking system, steering system, wheel bearing, tyre suspension, etc. They do this to look out for bald tyres, faulty brakes, any illegally modified engine, rusting, and broken bodywork.

They can also perform additional statutory test requirements, including diesel smoke test, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) inspection, hydrocarbon emission test, and high idle emission test (petrol vehicles). If they find anything wrong with your car, they’ll give it a repairable or unrepairable status.

If your car gets an unrepairable status, you can’t renew your Certificate of Entitlement (COE) or register it for use on the road. Take note that if your car has undergone illegal modifications, it may be subject to more frequent inspections. This falls under the Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR).

There is a fee for vehicle inspection services in Singapore. The cost of a vehicle inspection depends on the vehicle type. Below is a table presenting the prices for first inspections and re-inspection services in Singapore:

Table source from JIC Inspection Services’ website (as at Nov 2022)

Car owners can do a yearly inspection or bi-yearly. If you choose to do an annual inspection, the service will cost less, but you will need to get it done before your car’s COE expires. If you are late for your vehicle’s inspection, you’ll have to pay additional late fees.

Ensure that you go to an authorised inspection centre when having your car inspected. There are a few authorised centres in Singapore that offer services for all vehicle types, and you can find the complete list here:

• JIC Inspection Services Pte Ltd (Jurong)

• JIC Inspection Services Pte Ltd (Ang Mo Kio)

• STA Vehicle Inspection (Sin Ming)

• STA Vehicle Inspection (Boon Lay)

• VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Sin Ming)

• VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Bukit Batok)

• VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Changi)

• VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Kaki Bukit)

• VICOM Inspection Centre Pte Ltd (Yishun)

• Indeco Engineers (Pte) Ltd

• Lian Hup Heng Motor LLP

• Five Luck Enterprise

• Leader Automobile Workshop

• Soon Heng Taximeters Service – Taxis only

Authorised inspection centres are certified by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to conduct inspections on vehicles. These centres have qualified inspectors who are well-trained in inspecting all kinds of vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles, buses, light goods vehicles, and trailers.

While car inspections are one of the regular maintenance activities, you need to do for your car, having car insurance is equally important. This is because accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and no one knows when their car might break down.

Let us help you get your car insured! MSIG MotorMax is an insurance plan covering your vehicle against accidental damage, fire, and theft. This plan also covers you for third-party liability, meaning that if you cause damage to someone else’s property or injured them, you will be protected financially.