Car Inspection Singapore: What You Need to Know

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?
  • Enhanced Inspection Regime (EIR)
• 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).

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. 

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.  

1. Make sure all the signal and warning lights work.
2. Check that the horns, wipers, and washer work.
3. Check tyres to see if they're worn out or bulging on the sides.
4. 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.

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. 

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. 

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!