Singapore is set to impose stricter penalties on drivers providing unlicensed point-to-point (P2P) transport services under recent amendments to the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill, which was passed in Parliament on October 7. The changes increase fines for offenders up to S$10,000 and broaden enforcement to include those who publish, share, or forward advertisements for such illegal services across platforms, including messaging apps.
Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng emphasized the safety risks posed to passengers by unlicensed P2P providers, many of whom may lack valid insurance coverage. He also noted the detrimental impact of illegal services on the livelihoods of licensed drivers. While commuters are not currently subject to penalties for using illegal P2P services, Baey signaled that such measures could be introduced in the future.
Existing rules allowed fines up to S$3,000 for driving unlicensed P2P vehicles. Under the new framework, advertisers must remove illegal service advertisements promptly, and online platforms will be required to disclose information about advertisers. Since July 2025, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has impounded approximately 240 vehicles involved in illegal P2P operations. The mandatory release period for seized unlicensed vehicles will be extended from one to three months to accommodate longer investigations.
The legislation broadens regulations on active mobility devices (AMDs), such as electric bicycles and personal mobility devices, especially regarding online sales. Sellers, including e-commerce platforms, will be mandated to display usage warnings and comply with rules similar to those governing physical retailers. False claims about device compliance and advertising illegal modification services will become offenses. LTA will gain authority to order removal or correction of non-compliant listings.
These measures also address fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries used in AMDs, which have caused numerous fires in recent years—55 in 2023, 67 in 2024, and 49 so far in 2025. Incompatible batteries are a significant cause, even when installed in otherwise compliant devices. Sellers will have to clearly specify battery compatibility, voltage, and capacity, with penalties for advertising or selling incompatible batteries.
Additional changes include enhanced penalties for illegally importing power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and motorized personal mobility devices, with fines and jail terms set to double later in 2026. From January 1, 2028, "blue seal" PABs—older models approved before more stringent safety standards came into effect in 2016—will no longer be permitted on public roads. The government will facilitate safe disposal programs in partnership with e-waste recyclers to assist users with the transition.
To tackle the issue of deregistered vehicles still in operation, which have been linked to serious crimes, LTA will introduce an Authorised Exporter Scheme by late 2027 requiring vehicles slated for export to be handled by certified exporters. This aims to prevent improperly disposed vehicles from remaining on the road.
The regulatory sandbox for autonomous vehicles (AVs) will be extended through 2028 to continue existing deployments as a new Autonomous Vehicles Act is developed, expected within about a year. A parallel sandbox will oversee autonomous mobile robots—such as delivery bots and street-cleaning machines—deployed on public paths. LTA will regulate these based on size and risk, with lighter rules for smaller, lower-risk robots and stricter controls on larger or higher-risk devices.
Meanwhile, owners of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in landed properties will no longer be required to undergo mandatory inspections every two years, a move intended to reduce compliance costs given that such chargers pose lower public safety risks. However, owners remain responsible for charger maintenance, and inspections may be mandated if safety concerns arise. LTA will bolster enforcement against illegal use of EV chargers, such as unregistered units or unauthorized charging locations.
Labour MP Yeo Wan Ling welcomed the increased enforcement against non-compliant AMD sellers, while stressing the importance of education for consumers and riders to recognize unsafe products and verify information before purchase. Melvin Yong, another Labour MP, supported tougher penalties on unlicensed P2P drivers, highlighting the need for passengers to expect properly licensed, insured, and regulated services. He also stressed safeguarding the livelihoods of licensed taxi and private-hire drivers facing competition from illegal operators.