Singapore cracks down on deregistered vehicles with stricter penalties

These include the Authorised Exporter Scheme requiring deregistered vehicles to be exported through LTA-authorised exporters. This scheme will address the risk of rogue exporters failing to properly dispose of or export deregistered vehicles, said LTA.

Second, the grace period for owners of deregistered vehicles to fulfil the disposal requirements will be shortened from one month to 14 days.

The third measure holds offenders liable for prosecution for failing to fulfil disposal requirements. Those convicted will be liable for a daily fine of up to $500 until proof of disposal has been submitted.

The fourth planned move aims to prevent new and used vehicles from being registered by or transferred to individuals who are at risk of failing to dispose of the vehicles when they are deregistered. Such individuals include those with past deregistration offences and those under 18 who may be vulnerable to exploitation by criminal syndicates.

The authorities had said on Sept 8 that enforcement efforts against deregistered vehicles would be stepped up.

From September, deregistered vehicles detected during LTA and police patrols will be wheel-clamped for seizure by the LTA. There will also be more joint enforcement operations such as roadblocks and patrols at identified hot spots.

When deregistering a vehicle, owners should ensure that all necessary administrative processes are completed, said LTA.

For example, in the case of a vehicle being traded in, the transfer of ownership should be completed before the vehicle is deregistered.

Owners should also ensure that buyers confirm the transfer transaction on LTA’s OneMotoring website.

Those exporting their vehicles should ensure that relevant disposal documents are obtained for submission to LTA, as the last registered vehicle owner will be investigated in cases of misuse.

The authorities remind vehicle owners to fulfil their responsibilities when deregistering their vehicles and ensure proper disposal in accordance with LTA’s requirements.

LTA also encourages members of the public to report any suspected keeping or use of deregistered vehicles via OneMotoring or the OneService app.

The authorities say that they will “take a firm stance against the keeping and use of deregistered vehicles and will continue to enforce against those who do so”.