Car and Driving:
Driving a Car and Riding a Motorcycle in Singapore
General Information
Driving in Singapore and owning a car is very expensive. If you are not supplied with a company car you will probably opt for using public transport instead. Generally you do not need a car to survive in Singapore as the public transport system is a dream compared to other Asian countries and taxis are easily available. You need to take a theory test after driving in Singapore for 12 months without a Singaporean license. Note: drivers not used to driving on the left hand side should be extremely careful when driving in Singapore. More info on the license see below!
Do It Yourself Import
| Info: Importing a car |
| Pros |
Cons |
 Wide range of models available |
Car must be a right hand drive vehicle |
| Savings up to S$ 20,000 |
Car must use unleaded petrol |
| Shorter delivery times |
Car must use CFC-free air conditioners |
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Car must pass a mechanical inspection |
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Car must not be older than 3 years |
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Car may not be suitable for tropical climate |
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Workshops may not stock spare parts |
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Workshops of distributors may not repair car |
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| Checklist Car Import |
| Check technical and safety requirements for Singapore |
| De-register your car at home |
| Get Cargo-Clearance permit |
| Assess OMV (Open Market Value) |
| Pay Custom Duty |
| Have car inspected at authorized centers |
| Bid for COE (Certificate of Entitlement) |
| Register car with LTA (Land Transport Authority) |
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Costs Of A Car/Certificate of Entitlement (COE)
Owing a car in Singapore has been made purposely very expensive by the Singaporean Government to control traffic on the small island. The Vehicle Quota Scheme for a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) of 10 years from the date of registration limits the number of cars considerably and drives up the costs. Singapore is one of the most expensive places in the world to own a car!
Note: you may own a car on an off-peak scheme entitling you to drive the car evenings, weekends and public holidays only. As thereby you are not contributing to peak hour congestion the COE is much lower. You can convert to normal usage and back again any time.
Cheques are less popular, particularly as they are charged for. Most corporations prefer to receive payment electronically or by GIRO. Checks are typically used to pay small traders such as the air conditioning contractor and for courses.
| Singapore Car Jargon |
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ARF
Additional Registration fee, 110 per cent of the Open Market Value calculated by the Singapore Customers |
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COE
Certificate of Entitlement. If you want to buy a car in Singapore you need to auction for this document ( auctions are twice a mont) which is to secure with a SGD 10,000 deposit per bid. Pre-condition: you must register a car within six months when bidding for category A (cars up to 1,600 cc) Category B (cars above 1,600 cc). For category C (mostly for used cars) you need to register the car within three months. |
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Excise Duty
Similar to an import duty this is 45 per cent of the OMV |
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GST
Goods & Services Tax, 5% of a new car after deducting excise duty. |
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OMV
Open Market Value as calculated by Singapore Customs. |
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PARF
Preferential Additional Registration Fee is a rebate to offset registration taxes of new vehicles. |
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Registration Tax
SGD 140 |
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Road Tax
Ranges from SGD 413 a year to SGD 10,548 (for a Rolls Royce!) |
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Transfer Fee
The Government levies a tax when a car changes hands. Flat fee of SGD 10 per car plus 2 per cent of the vehicle's value.
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Used Car Surcharge
SGD 10,000 - to discourage import of used cars! |
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| COSTS of buying a car in Singapore |
| Car Price (For new or Second Hand Car) |
| Registration Fee |
| Vehicle Number Plate |
| Road Tax |
| COE |
| Insurance |
| Vehicle Radio License Fee |
| Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) a special toll when driving into the city during peak hours |
| Additional Registration Fee and customs duty (140% plus 31% of Open Market Value (OMV)) |
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Brand names such as BMW or Mercedes Benz will cost over S$ 200,00. But there are a number of new cars available between SGD 75,000 and SGD 100,000. You need to spend around 40,000 - 45,000 SGD for a Kia Picanto, a Kia Rio, Chevrolet Aveo sedan or a Hyundai Getz hatchback. If you stretch the loan payment over 10 years you may bring down the monthly installment to about SGD 500. With a down payment of around SGD 7,500 and monthly installments of SGD 700 you are able to choose cars such as the Chevrolet Optra, a Mazda 3 GT, a Nissan Latio Sport or an Opel Astra 115 Easytronic. Interest rates are 2.75/3.0 per cent per annum for a 10 year loan.
| Info: Car Prices |
Car Buyer
freely availalbe at Shell Petrol Stations, SPC, Car Showrooms
Subscribe: Big Fish Publishing Pte Ltd
220 Tagore Lane #3-10
Singapore 787600
SGD 30 for 24 issues delivered
www.CarBuyer.com.sg |
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Your company may have opted for corporate car leasing as an alternative for costly purchases for their expatriates. At the moment car rental rates are at an all time low as the car leasing market is very much linked to the expatriate pool residing in Singapore. Lease agreements include full and regular maintenance, include a 24 hrs. breakdown towing service and the responsibility of road tax renewal, insurance, radio licene and inspections is shifted from you.
Note: If you spend S$ 5 a day on Bus or MRT commuting you spend 1,825 S$ a year. If you drive taxi for S$ 10 each day including weekends and holidays you would spend 3,650 S$. A car for S$ 100 000 bought with a seven year loan period will cost you S$ 19,000 a year for the loan installments and running expenses.
| Info: Average Annual Cost of owning a car in Singapore in 2005 |
Based on 220 day average charges incurred by a motorist
using CTE to work in CBD |
Japanese
1.6 litre car |
Continental
Luxury Car |
| New Car price |
63.000 |
179.000 |
| Average open market value (O VM) |
16.500 |
17.000 |
| Rebate upon deregistration before fifth year |
17.000 |
17.000 |
| Annual fuel bill |
8.177 |
24.695 |
| Insurance (without no claims bonus) |
3.500 |
4.100 |
| Road Tax |
1.600 |
1.700 |
| Parking |
1.250 |
1.265 |
| Maintenance |
2.000 |
2.900 |
| Road Pricing |
1.320 |
1.320 |
| Annual Usage Cost |
10.453 |
12.894 |
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Road Tax Renewal and Statutory Inspection
One months before the expiry date you will receive a road tax renewal notice. Before the renewal you need to
| ensure cover of the full period of the new licence by the insurance |
| check if your vehicle is due for a statutory inspection. |
| Is your vehicle roadworthy? |
| Motorcycles & Scooters |
> 3 years |
Once a year |
| Motorcars |
3 - 10 years |
Once in 2 years |
| Motorcars |
> 10 years |
Once a year |
|
| You may then renew your Road Tax |
| Online at the web site below |
| Visit one of the Road Tax Collection Centres mentioned in the renewal notice |
| Pay by Giro or cheque to the Land Transport Authority |
| The Land Transport Authority provides the following services at the web sites mentioned below |
| Buy a new vehicle |
| Maintain a vehicle |
| Buy/Sell a used vehicle |
| De register a vehicle |
| Online Road Tax renewal |
| Pay fines and charges online |
| View and print check-lists for various tasks |
| Renew your COE |
| Change your particulars (Address etc.) online |
The Automobile Association Singapore is an authorised Service Collection Centre for Road Tax Renewals. Motorists can now visit AA Customer Service Centres at two convenient locations (River Valley and Leng Kee) and even choose to pay via OCBC's 0% interest instalment plan. For more information on our locations and operating hours, please visit www.aas.com.sg.
Second Hand Cars
When buying a used car additionally to the normal evaluation you need to check the remaining time of the Certificate of Entitlement and the numbers on the number plate. Numbers containing a 4 are particularly difficult to sell due to Chinese superstition! The same applies if you are the third owner of the car and the next buyer would be number four. A transfer fee amounting to 2% of the assessed vehicle value will be levied. Car auctions are becoming very popular in Singapore and are a good source for assessing prices and selling cars when leaving the country.
| Watch out for misrepresentation or unsatisfactory services: |
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Beware of oral agreements and paying high deposits |
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Beware of assurance given such as securing a COE or car loan |
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Beware of the statement that prices would be raised soon |
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Beware of the offer to back up a higher price of the car to secure a bigger loan.
The loan limit is 70 percent of the sales price |
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Beware of loans offered through the dealer |
Professional Car Evaluation
Online Car Auctions/Second Hand Car Websites
Check also the used car markets in Kallang, Stadium Ling and the Turf Mall in Bukit Timah
Car Leasing
Hire purchase is a viable alternative to buying a car. You pay a fixed monthly sum over two or more years. Servicing, road tax, insurance and any accident claims are taken care of by the leasing company and a replacement vehicle is also provided when necessary. At the end of the lease period you can exercise your option to purchase the car. Inquire about restriction to drive outside of Singapore, e.g. in Malaysia!
You can spend anything from S$1,850 for a Toyota Corolla to S$4,000 for a Volvo per month for a two-year lease.
Car Renting
Car Portals
Car Sharing
Joint Car Ownership Scheme
The Joint Car Ownership Scheme is ideal for those who do not need a car every day or only a few hours per day. You join the scheme and are permitted to reserve a car by SMS, online or by automated phone booking system (24 hours). You access the car by keying in the reservation code via your cellphone and pick up the car key with your personal smart card. Instead of renting a car for a dayfrom the glove compartment. Rates are between SGD 8 - 11 for an hour plus an additional 30 - 40 cents per kilometre for samll cars such as a Nissan Sunny 1.5 Saloon. You have to resigster for a fee of about SGD 130 - 150 a year and pay a security deposit of SGD 100.
| Info |
| Standard |
for occasional users |
| Value Share |
for regular and business users |
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| Info |
| Entrance Fee |
Individual S$100 One-time registration fee |
| Membership |
Subscription S$100 Annual payme |
| Supplementary Membership |
S$30 Annual payment |
| Security Deposit |
S$100 Refundable |
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Car Repair/Spare Parts/Maintenance
| Info |
| Western Union |
| Sing Ming Drive |
| Waterloo Center |
| Pro Serve Car Repair |
Yeow Motor Services
Yishun Industrial Park A
Blk. 1016 # 01-228
Tel: 6 758 3747 |
Knight Auto Accessories (Tyres)
2 Jalan Tampang
Tel: 6 754 3616 |
| Shell Stations |
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| Money Remittance Centres |
| Car Wash |
Elite Auto Saloon
Esso Petrol Station
237 Whitley Rd and 331 Bukit Timah Road |
Shell Petrol Station (Hand Wash Service)
Boon Lay Avenue
Lorong 1 Toa Payoh
Aljunied Road |
Shell Newton Hooper Road Autoway
(Automated car Wash)
150 Bukit Timah Road |
| Car Polish |
Autoglym
6 Cactus Road
Tel: 6481 1906 |
Radianz Car Grooming Centre
B1-02 Markoni Districti Centre
50 Tagore Drive
Tel: 6556 0181 |
Car Spa
99 Soo Chow Walk
Tel: 6452 0733/5 |
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Riding a Motorcycle
With the high and still increasing rate of fatal motorcycle accidents (in 2002: 101 fatal accidents!) in mind riding a motorcycle should be considered under safety aspects. The dangers of heavy tropical downpours should not be underestimated. You need a valid license and a conversion to ride in Singapore if you live or work here. Parking may be difficult to find as many car parks refuse parking for motorcycles. Visit the bikers chat rooms below for more specific information.
| Advertorial: |
 Are you driving to Malaysia?
While this photo shoes not exactly how we want you to use your motorbike in Asia the situation pictured is not uncommon in Malaysia and other Asian countries.
Drive carefully when traveling in Malaysia by car and approach villages with special care and buy a good Auto Insurance
Online:
http://www.nets.com.sg/home/index.php
Photo:enterAsiaArt
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Motorcycle Licenses
If you have an international bike licence or a foreign bike licence, the Traffic Police can help you convert this to a Singapore one. You should be aware that Singapore bike licenses are divided into three categories (see below). Regardless of your foreign licence rating, you will only be issued a Class 2B licence, although there have been exceptions. See web site below for more information on the procedure.
| Info |
| Class 2A |
to ride bikes up to 401 cc |
| Class 2B |
to ride bikes up to 201cc |
| Class 2 |
unlimited |
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Please note that battery-operated bikes (electric driven bikes) with a maximum power output above 200 watts are classed as motorcycles. You could be fined S$ 5,000 or jailed for 6 months if you are caught using an unregistered motorized bicycle as every make and model must now be auhtorised by an insepction center. Scooters are not allowed on public roads, pavements next to public roads, in public parks and in HDB estates. Riders not complying with the safety rules on public roads may be fined up to S$ 1,000 or jailed up to a maximum of three months. See web site below on motorized bicyles for more information or call the Hotline at Tel: 1800 2255 582 or the traffic police at Tel: 6547 0000.
You cannot be sold a bike in your name without a valid licence. For driving lessons see web sites below.
Buying a motorcycle
While the main impediment to buying a car is the high asking price, which is due to the COE (Certificate of Entitlement) the COE for bikes is much much lower, and for new bikes is currently SGD 1. You can get a good idea of the bike buying process below:
There is a wide variety of bikes available here, although Japanese bikes predominate, Honda especially. Regarding dealers for used bikes and mechanics, these vary in terms of service, and depending on whom you talk to. These judge you very much by how you behave when you first turn up on their doorstep, and what you need of them. You may find it easier to go to someone who has been recommended to you.
| Addresses |
Perfection Motorcycles
Ask for Allen
Blk 1044 Eunos Avenue 4 # 01-141
Tel:6744 4933 |
Zoom In Motor Enterprises
(also Second Hand bikes)
356 R Alexander Road
Tel : 6474 2154 |
Dirt Wheel Motor Trading
(sale, rand repair)
Blk 9004, Tampines St 93 #01-100
Tel: 6783 3063
Tel: 6783 6463 |
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Petrol Stations/Prices
| Websites: Petrol Station Locators |
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Automobile Association of Singapore
As a representative of the Singapore motoring arena since 1907, the Automobile Association of Singapore (AA) is committed to serving the needs of its over 77,000 members and the local motoring community. The Association is a voice of motorists, acting as a bridge between the motoring public and the relevant authorities. AA members can enjoy emergency roadside assistance as well as benefits and privileges at a myriad of motoring and lifestyle outlets both locally and worldwide. AA’s vision is to be the partner in motoring and to excel as the leader in quality vehicle recovery and motoring services in Singapore
| Addresses |
Automobile Association of Singapore
Head Office:
336 River Valley Road
#03-00 AA Centre
Singapore 238366
Branch Office:
2 Kung Chong Road (Leng Kee)
Singapore 159140
Customer Service Hotline: 6333 8811
24-hour Vehicle Recovery Services Hotline: 6748 9911
Website |
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| Info: Road Assistance Malaysia |
| AAM Free Breakdown Zone |
| Toll Free |
1-800 883 554 |
| Klang Valley |
03-261 52 12 |
| Penang |
04-281 74 27 |
| Ipoh |
05-506 38 46 |
| Johor Bahru |
07-226 75 27 |
| Seremban |
06-764 43 58 (8am -12 midnight) |
| Kuantan |
09-515 86 20 (8am -12 midnight) |
| Melaka |
06-281 94 76 (8 am -12 midnight) |
| Kuala Terengganu |
09-624-18-98 (8 am -12 midnight) |
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Driving
Driving is on the left hand side! Be aware of frequent lane switches without signaling, difficulties to change lanes, tendency to pass red traffic lights, reckless motorcycles, and many speed control cameras.
The speed limits in town are 50 km/h, max. 80 km/h on expressways and max 70 km/h in tunnels
Driving License
Your current driver license is valid for 12 months in connection with an International Driver License from your home country.Tthe Automobile Association of Singapore can only issue International Driving Permits (IDP) to holders of Singapore Driving Licences. Foreigners who wish to drive in Singapore for more than 12 months are required to either obtain an IDP from the country where their licence was issued, or to seek advice from their respective consulates or embassies
| Info: Bus Lane Rule |
Don't cross the yellow line during
Weekdays - 7.30 am - 9.30 am
Saturdays - 11.30 am - 2.00 pm |
Photo:enterAsiaArt |
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| Info: Bus Lane Hot Spots: Fine SGD 130 |
| Eunos Link |
| Hougang Avenue 3 |
| Jurong Town Hall Road |
| Lorong Chua |
| Orchard Road |
| Upper Serangoon Road |
| Upper Thomson Road |
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If you do not have a license you need to pass the basic theory test, the final theory test and the practical test. The enrolment fee at the Driving Schools or Driving Centers varies between S$ 82.40 and S$ 149.35 .There is also an enrolment fee.
The higher fee includes the fees for four theory test classes. Driving lessons for 100 minutes during off peak hours (mo-Fri 8.30 am - 6.05 pm) cost S$ 57.68. On weekends and after 6.50 pm you pay S$ 65.92 per 100 minutes. Private Driving Instructors cost around S$ 25 for an hour-long lesson and are generally more comprehensive. 50% of the students at driving centers pass at the first time. Note that lessons have to booked about a month in advance. Cancellation can be made up to 72 hours in advance but late cancellation or missing a class results in forfeit of the fee paid.
Since recently basic, advanced and riding theory test have the option of taking a computerized test as opposed to a written or oral one. The test assigns 50 questions randomly out of a database of 1,500 questions. The fee is SGD 6,00 per test. Tests can be booked at the driving centers at Bukit Batok, Comfort Driving Centre in Ubi and Singapore Safety Driving Centre in Ang Mo Kio. Results are available immediately and you can apply for a provisional driving licence on the spot.
Refresher Courses for Practical Driving
If you feel insecure driving in Singapore, why not take up a refresher course. Check with the driving schools below.
Note: If you are over 65 you have to undergo a medical checkup every three years in order to maintain the validity of your driving licence. A refresher course is not requried you only have to submit a medical form. If you have not done so, you might be caught and considered as driving without license.
| Addresses |
| Bukit Batok Driving School |
815 Bukit Batok West Ave 5
Tel: 6 561 1233
http://www1.bbdc.com.sg/dc/main.asp |
| Singapore Safety Driving Centre |
3, Ang Mo Kio Street
62 Industrial Park C
Tel: 6 : 482 6060
http://www.ssdcl.com.sg
http://www.ssdcl.com.sg/courses/basic_theory.asp |
| Comfort Driving Centre |
205 Ubi Avenue 4, #01-00
Tel: 6 841 8900
http:// www.comfortdrivingcentre.com.sg |
Traffic Police Headquarters
No 10, Ubi Avenue 3
Singapore 408865
Tel: 6482 4042
Fax: 6482 0969 |
SSDS Singapore Traffic Police Department
3rd level
Operating Hours
Join SSDC and book for your Traffic Police Theory Test for Basic Theory and Final Theory during our operating hours.
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 8.00 am to 3.00 pm |
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Peak Period Every Monday between 4.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Every Saturday between 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Average waiting time to be served is about 60 minutes. You are encouraged to come during our off peak period to enrol and book for your Traffic Police theory test.
If you intend to stay longer than a year with your Current and International Driving License you need to apply for a Singapore driver's license at the Singapore Traffic Police and pass the Basic Driving Theory Test only. Book your basic theory test at the websites above.
Online booking of the Basic Theory Test is available. See above Web Site of the Driving Centers for documents and fees to present. The license is issued for a probationary period of one year and you should not accumulate more than 12 points in your Driver Improvement Points System during that period or the license will be revoked. A clear record is also quite important when applying for Permanent Residency (PR).
| Recommended Procedure: |
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Inform yourself on documents to bring at the a.m. Web Site |
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Book the Basic Driving Theory Test online at the a.m. Web Site |
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Study the Official Handbook Basic Theory of Driving (58 pages) |
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Submit your application in person at the Traffic Police Department, No. 10 Ubi Avenue 3 with the necessary documents. |
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Pass the test: 50 questions in 60 minutes - good luck! |
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Note: your driving license needs to be translated into English! |
Car Accidents
In case of an accident you should proceed like in your home country. You have to stop immediately and ascertain if someone is injured. Take down the particulars of all parties involved and inform your insurance as soon as possible. As the police need to draw a sketch plan, do not move the vehicles or casualties. A written report in English has to be submitted to the police as soon as possible. If you are injured you need a medical report from a doctor. Immediately inform your company and your car insurer.
If you are insured with a firm on the Independent Damage Assessment Centre (IDAC) you need to call Tel: 1800 887 5151 and will be directed to the centre for assessment where they will help you to fill in the Singapore Accident Statement claim form for the insurer. The form is mailed to you when you insure your car and should be placed in the glove compartment. Insurers advise you to give a description of the incident plus a sketch and all parties involved in the accident have to sign it at the scene. Your insurer may require you to send your car to an authorized workshop.
| Info |
| Accidents |
Tel: 6 995 |
| Traffic Police |
Tel: 6 547 0000 |
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Driver Improvement Points System
This system is designed to identify high-risk motorists or habitual offenders and stop them from driving.
| Info: Overview of most important DIPS Points and Penalties |
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| Failing to use the seatbelt (passenger and driver) Fine for driver+passenger |
3 |
120 + 120 |
| Failing to have a child below 8 years be properly secured with an approved child restraint |
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