World · Singapore Bureau
Deregistered vehicles pose safety risks on Singapore roads
The alleged use of a deregistered vehicle in a fatal Tampines crash has raised questions about how unregistered cars operate on public roads. Experts warn that such vehicles lack proper regulatory oversight and insurance coverage.
LSN Singapore ·
A deregistered vehicle is one that no longer holds valid registration with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), meaning it is not legally permitted to be driven on public roads. Registration is a mandatory requirement under Singapore's Road Traffic Act, and vehicles must undergo regular inspections to maintain their status.
Deregistered vehicles typically lose their registration status when owners fail to renew their certificates, do not pass mandatory inspections, or deliberately remove their vehicles from the official registry. Once deregistered, these cars lack proper insurance coverage and have not been certified as roadworthy by transport authorities.
The use of deregistered vehicles on public roads presents significant safety and enforcement challenges. Without valid registration and insurance, drivers involved in accidents may leave victims without recourse for compensation. Additionally, unregistered vehicles are not subject to the same maintenance and safety standards as registered cars, potentially increasing accident risks.
Law enforcement agencies in Singapore have intensified checks to identify and remove deregistered vehicles from circulation. Drivers found operating unregistered vehicles face penalties including fines and possible vehicle seizure. The recent fatal crash in Tampines has renewed calls for stricter monitoring of vehicle registrations to prevent such incidents.