Singapore, known for its stringent regulations, particularly in the transportation sector, has firmly established rules regarding private-hire services.
Unlike some Southeast Asian countries where motorcycles are utilized for private-hire platforms, Singapore strictly limits this privilege to cars with the necessary licenses.
However, a recent incident in Yishun highlighted the consequences of flouting these regulations, as a motorcyclist was caught ferrying a private-hire passenger, leading to fines and a 12-month suspension.
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforces stringent regulations on private-hire services to ensure safety and compliance with legal requirements.
The Violation in Yishun
In defiance of Singapore’s regulations, a motorcyclist in Yishun was caught ferrying a private-hire passenger, a practice explicitly prohibited in the country.
The motorcyclist faced severe consequences, including fines and a suspension lasting 12 months, signaling the strict enforcement of transportation regulations.
The Land Transport Authority actively conducts enforcement operations against illegal pooling services. In May 2023, specific actions were taken to curb unauthorized private-hire activities.
During one such operation, a motorcyclist was apprehended for using a prohibited vehicle as a public service vehicle, offering private-hire rides. Additionally, he lacked the required insurance coverage.
As a result of the violation, the motorcyclist’s vehicle was impounded, underscoring the gravity of breaching Singapore’s strict regulations.
LTA’s statement on Facebook
Two drivers and a motorcyclist were booked, and had their vehicles impounded during enforcement operations targeted at illegal car and motorcycle pooling services last year.
The motorcyclist was charged and convicted for using a prohibited vehicle as a public service vehicle and for using the vehicle without the requisite insurance coverage. This is the first time that a motorcyclist has been charged and convicted for conveying passengers for hire and reward.
One of the drivers was charged and convicted for not possessing a valid vocational licence and using his vehicle without a valid Public Service Vehicle licence and the requisite insurance coverage.
Both pled guilty and were fined a total of $1,800 each and disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licences for 12 months.
The other driver’s case is still before the courts.
We take a serious view of such unlawful practices and will continue to take enforcement action against those providing illegal car- and motorcycle-pooling services
#ReportIllegalServices via the contact form at https://www.lta.gov.sg/feedback or through the e-service “Report Vehicle-Related Offences” at www.onemotoring.lta.gov.sg.
For commuters’ own safety, you are strongly encouraged to book point-to-point transport services, including commercial car-pooling services, via licensed business platforms.