Whether you are buying your first car or have been driving for years, road tax is one of the essential costs of vehicle ownership in Singapore.
However, many motorists still wonder how road tax is calculated, why different vehicles pay different amounts and how the renewal process works. With road tax rules also affecting electric vehicles (EVs), it’s more important than ever to understand how road tax applies to your vehicle.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is road tax?
Road tax is a mandatory fee that allows your vehicle to be driven legally on public roads in Singapore.
Every registered vehicle must have valid road tax before it can be used on the road. Driving without valid road tax is an offence and may result in penalties.
Road tax is typically renewed every six or 12 months, depending on the vehicle owner’s preference and eligibility.
How is road tax calculated?
The amount of road tax you pay depends on the type of vehicle you own.
For internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles powered by petrol or diesel, road tax is primarily based on the vehicle’s engine capacity, measured in cubic centimetres (cc).
In general:
- Smaller engines usually attract lower road tax.
- Larger engines generally incur higher road tax.
Other factors, such as the vehicle type, may also influence the final amount.
Road tax for electric vehicles (EVs)
Unlike petrol cars, EVs do not have an engine capacity. Instead, their road tax is based on the vehicle’s power rating, measured in kilowatts (kW), under Singapore’s current EV road tax framework.
For electric cars with more than one motor (usually dual-motors), their maximum power output that determines the road tax payable is derived from the total combined power ratings of all motors. On top of that, there is an Additional Flat Component of $700 per annum which applies only to EV road tax.
This approach is intended to better reflect the performance characteristics of electric vehicles.
If you’re planning to purchase an EV, it’s worth checking its applicable road tax before making a decision.
Why did EV road tax rules change?
As more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, Singapore has continued refining its road tax framework to better reflect developments in the automotive industry.
The updated approach aims to ensure that road tax remains relevant as EV adoption increases, while taking into account the performance characteristics of electric vehicles.
If you currently own or are considering buying an EV, it’s a good idea to check the latest applicable road tax before purchasing.
When should you renew your road tax?
You should renew your road tax before it expires to ensure your vehicle remains legally permitted on Singapore’s roads. Many motorists choose to renew early to avoid any last-minute issues.
Before renewal, ensure:
- Your vehicle has valid insurance.
- Any required vehicle inspections have been completed (where applicable).
- Outstanding requirements affecting renewal have been addressed.
How to renew your road tax online
Renewing road tax is now a straightforward online process.
Generally, you’ll need to:
Once your renewal is successful, your road tax is updated electronically, so there’s no longer a need to display a physical road tax disc.
What happens if your road tax expires?
Driving with expired road tax can lead to enforcement action and may result in fines or other penalties. More importantly, an expired road tax may also create complications if you’re involved in an accident or stopped during enforcement checks.
To avoid unnecessary inconvenience, it’s best to renew your road tax before the expiry date.
Tips to make road tax renewal easier
A few simple habits can help make the renewal process hassle-free.
- Set a calendar reminder for your road tax expiry.
- Ensure your car insurance remains valid.
- Complete any required vehicle inspections early.
- Keep your contact details updated so you receive renewal notifications.
- Renew online to save time.
The bottom line
Road tax is an essential part of owning a vehicle in Singapore, and understanding how it’s calculated can help you better estimate your overall ownership costs.
Whether you drive a petrol-powered car or an electric vehicle, renewing your road tax on time ensures you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties.
With online renewal now quick and convenient, keeping your road tax up to date has never been easier.
[[nid:742185]]
This article was first published in Motorist.
Read the full article here
