Car ownership comes with a lot of responsibilities especially in Singapore. From possessing the right certifications to having valid taxes, owners need to ensure that they fulfil all the mandatory requirements before taking their vehicles on the road.
To ensure vehicles are in proper working conditions, one of the most important aspects of car ownership is car inspections. It’s a standard procedure in Singapore, one which all car owners have to go through.
Car inspections can be a hassle but they are necessary nonetheless. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a car inspection in Singapore and why they are crucial for every car owner.
What Is a Car Inspection?
A car inspection is the process of ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy. The process involves identifying and rectifying any potential defects that may compromise your vehicle’s performance.
It’s a procedure that all Singapore registered cars will have to go through as it minimises the chances of malfunctioning and reduces the risk of accidents. The requirement was set out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) as a way to maintain safety standards on Singapore roads.
| Type of Vehicle | Below 3 years | 3 to 10 years | > 10 years |
| Motorcycle/Scooter | Nil | Annually | Annually |
| Personal Car | Nil | Every 2 years | Annually |
| Taxi | Annually (Updated) | 6-monthly | N.A. |
| Chauffeured Private Hire Car | Annually | Annually | 6-monthly (Updated) |
| Tuition Car | Annually | Annually | Annually |
| Goods Vehicle / Trailers | Annually | Annually | 6-monthly |
Note: Taxis below 3 years now undergo annual inspections (previously 6-monthly), while PHCs above 10 years must now be inspected 6-monthly (previously annual).
How Often Are Car Inspections Required?
All vehicles must undergo inspections periodically but it also depends on the type of vehicle you own. Refer to the table below (original source, LTA):
Essentially, newly purchased cars and motorcycles are exempted from inspections for the first three years whereas other vehicles are required to go through an annual or 6 month inspection within the first year of purchase.
There are also special requirements for taxis and buses that install compressed natural gas (CNG) or bi-fuel CNG systems where they must have their systems checked every 3 months.
The Cost of Car Inspection (2026 Updates)
The cost of a vehicle inspection is standardised by the LTA across all three Authorised Inspection Centres (VICOM, STA, and JIC). All listed prices are strictly inclusive of the prevailing 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
While you can pay via credit card, PayNow, or NETS at all centres, you should budget for both the base inspection fee and any mandatory emission tests tied to your vehicle type.
Standard Inspection Fees (Base)
Here is the breakdown of the base fees for different vehicle categories:
| Type of Vehicle | First Inspection Fee | Re-Inspection Fee |
| Motorcycle / Scooter | $20.71 | $10.36 |
| Car / Station Wagon | $68.67 | $34.34 |
| Taxi / Private Hire Car (PHV) | $68.67 | $34.34 |
| Light Goods Vehicle (e.g., G-Plate) | $68.67 | $34.34 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle / Bus (2 Axles) | $80.66 | $40.33 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle / Trailer (>2 Axles) | $87.20 | $46.87 |
Note: Vehicles that fail their inspection must undergo a re-inspection. You will be charged half the initial fee (as seen in the table above). However, if you rectify the issue and return for re-inspection within the same working day, the re-inspection fee is usually waived.
Mandatory Add-on Tests
Depending on your vehicle’s engine type and registration date, you will likely need to pay for additional mandatory emissions testing on top of the base fee:
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High Idle Emission Test ($7.63): Mandatory for all petrol vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2014. (For most modern petrol car owners, your total baseline cost will be $76.30).
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Diesel Smoke Test ($21.80): Mandatory for diesel passenger cars, taxis, and Light Goods Vehicles.
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Off-Peak Car (OPC) Seal Inspection ($11.99): Required for all red-plate vehicles to ensure the seal has not been tampered with.
Pro-Tip to Skip the Queue:
If you are in a rush, VICOM currently offers a “VExpress” Priority Lane at their Sin Ming and Yishun branches. For an additional $10.90, you can bypass the standard queue and get your car inspected immediately.
JIC Inspection Services
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Jalan Papan (New Primary): 2E Jalan Papan, Singapore 619835 | Tel: 6458 4555
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Pioneer: 53 Pioneer Road, Singapore 628505 | Tel: 6863 9639
STA Inspection
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Boon Lay: 249 Jalan Boon Lay, Singapore 619523
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Sin Ming: 302 Sin Ming Road, Singapore 575627
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Kaki Bukit (Updated Address): 13 Kaki Bukit Road 4, #01-02, Bartley Biz Centre, Singapore 417807
VICOM Inspection
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Maintains 5 branches: Bukit Batok, Changi, Kaki Bukit, Sin Ming, and Yishun.
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2026 Update: VICOM now offers a Priority Lane for an additional fee of $10.90 (incl. GST) at Sin Ming and Yishun branches.
Where Can You Get Your Car Inspected?
Vehicle inspection in Singapore can only be done by LTA Authorised Inspection Centres (AIC) as they have the necessary equipment and technicians to carry out inspections. There are several inspection centres throughout Singapore, both private and government owned.
Refer to the table below (Original source, LTA):
What Is Involved in a Car Inspection?
Various aspects of your vehicle will be examined through the inspection process. In a nutshell, a vehicle inspection covers 7 main elements; wheel system, chassis frame, steering system, external body, propulsion, braking system and visual system.
Refer to the table below (Original source, LTA):
|
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 |
The process shouldn’t take too long but the duration will differ depending on your vehicle type. The inspection will also include a thorough search for illegal modifications and you will be subjected to an Enhanced Rectification Regime (EIR) if any are found.
After the vehicle inspection is complete, the centre will issue a report detailing the findings. If any issues are identified, you’ll be required to make the necessary repairs and replacements before going for a reinspection.
As of February 27, 2026, LTA has significantly increased penalties for illegal modifications.
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Individual Fines: Up to $20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years for illegal alterations.
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Workshop Penalties: Fines up to $40,000 (first offence) and $80,000 for repeat offenders.
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Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR): If caught with illegal exhaust or engine mods, owners must undergo inspections every 6 months (for 2nd-time offenders) or 3 months (for 3rd-time+ offenders) for a duration of 2 years.
Conclusion
A vehicle inspection is a vital part of car ownership in Singapore and although it may be a burden, it ensures the overall safety of your vehicle and the people around you.
Car inspections will help maintain road safety standards, reduce the risk of accidents and conserve the reliability of your car. Ultimately, car owners will contribute to creating a safer environment in Singapore and not to mention avoid potential legal issues and penalties.
So don’t forget to schedule your inspections when time is due and happy driving!
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