TRANSPORTATION IN SINGAPORE

BUSES              CAR                MRT              TAXI

DRIVING IN SINGAPORE

Singapore’s highways are all designated by acronyms – AYE, ECP, CTE, AMK, PIE, ORR, and CBD. Various tolls are levied 0730-0930 to relieve congestion on expressways and busy roads using the Electronic Road Pricing Scheme (ERP), which automatically deducts tolls from a rechargeable card inside the car – the In-Vehicle Unit or IU. Vehicles need to be fitted with this card, which is available for S$5 daily, minimum of two days (plus a S$120 deposit) from petrol stations and other outlets. Permanent installations cost S$120.

The highways are easy to negotiate and traffic generally moves smoothly thanks to the ERP. Wearing seat belts in the front and back is mandatory and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. Offences are treated seriously, with tough fines and even jail sentences.

Parking is cheap and easily available all over the city, especially in hotel basement car parks. In areas where parking coupons are used, drivers pay S$0.50 per half-hour outside the Central Business District and S$1.00 inside.

 
Right-hand drive on the left side of the road is the rule. If you are residing in Singapore for less than 12 months, you may drive in Singapore if you possess a valid International Driving Permit. Employment/Dependent Pass holders who are residing in Singapore for more than 12 months are required to convert their foreign driving licence to a Singapore driving licence in order to drive here. To do that, you will need to pass the Basic Theory Test which familiarises you with Singapore's Highway Code.

Please contact the Traffic Police Department directly or check their website at www.spinet.gov.sg/aboutus/org/tp/tpfaqs/conversion.htm to find out the exact procedures and other requirements.
 

BUYING A CAR
The cost of buying and maintaining cars in Singapore is very high. Much of what you need to know on owning and operating a motor vehicle in Singapore can be obtained at the website www.lta.gov.sg or www.onemotoring.com.sg.

 
Self Import
Car Cost
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ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING (ERP)
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is enforced at certain expressways and major arterial roads as well as roads in the restricted zone of the city area. Charges are levied on a per-pass basis and can vary according to time and congestion levels. The relevant ERP charges are deducted automatically from the CashCard placed in the In-vehicle unit (IU) each time the vehicle passes through an ERP gantry.