Introduction
Road tax is a yearly levy that all Singapore-registered vehicles are required to pay for the right to use Singapore’s public roads. In 2023, the number of vehicles registered in Singapore reached 1.2 million, generating a substantial amount of revenue for the government. The road tax collected contributes to the maintenance, improvement, and expansion of Singapore’s road infrastructure.
Factors Determining Road Tax
The annual road tax amount is calculated based on several factors, including:
- Vehicle Type: Cars, motorcycles, buses, and goods vehicles have different road tax rates.
- Engine Capacity (CC): Vehicles with larger engine capacities are subject to higher road tax.
- Vehicle Weight: For goods vehicles, the weight of the vehicle also affects the road tax amount.
- Fuel Type: Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles (HVs) qualify for lower road tax rates compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.
Road Tax Rates for Different Vehicle Types
The following table provides an overview of road tax rates for different vehicle types in Singapore:
| Vehicle Type | Engine Capacity (CC) | Annual Road Tax (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Up to 1,600 | $510 |
| Car | 1,601 to 2,000 | $630 |
| Car | 2,001 to 2,500 | $750 |
| Car | 2,501 to 3,000 | $870 |
| Car | Above 3,000 | $990 |
| Motorcycle | Up to 200 | $100 |
| Motorcycle | 201 to 400 | $135 |
| Motorcycle | 401 to 600 | $170 |
| Motorcycle | 601 and above | $205 |
| Bus | All | $1,200 |
| Goods Vehicle (Up to 2,500 kg) | All | $750 |
| Goods Vehicle (2,501 kg to 5,000 kg) | All | $1,050 |
| Goods Vehicle (5,001 kg and above) | All | $1,350 |
Road Tax Rates for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
To encourage the adoption of greener vehicles, EVs and HVs benefit from lower road tax rates compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.
| Vehicle Type | Engine Capacity (CC) | Annual Road Tax (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Car | All | $0 |
| Hybrid Car | Up to 1,600 | $200 |
| Hybrid Car | 1,601 to 2,000 | $250 |
| Hybrid Car | 2,001 to 2,500 | $300 |
| Hybrid Car | 2,501 to 3,000 | $350 |
| Hybrid Car | Above 3,000 | $400 |
Why Road Tax Matters
Road tax is not merely a cost but also an important source of revenue for the government to improve and maintain Singapore’s road infrastructure. The funds collected are utilized for:
- Road construction and maintenance
- Traffic management systems
- Public transport infrastructure
- Safety measures and enforcement
Benefits of Paying Road Tax
Regularly paying road tax brings several benefits:
- Legal Compliance: All registered vehicles must have valid road tax to avoid fines or penalties.
- Access to Public Roads: Road tax grants authorized vehicles the right to use Singapore’s public roads.
- Improved Infrastructure: Road tax contributes to the continuous improvement and maintenance of roads, bridges, and traffic systems.
- Enhanced Safety: Road tax-funded safety measures help reduce road accidents and improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to road tax, there are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Late Payment: Late payment of road tax may result in fines or penalties.
- Expired Road Tax: Driving with an expired road tax is illegal and can lead to enforcement action.
- Incorrect Information: Ensure that the vehicle’s engine capacity and other details are accurately reflected on the road tax certificate.
- Unregistered Vehicles: All vehicles used on public roads must be registered and have valid road tax.
Conclusion
Road tax is an essential component of Singapore’s transportation system. By understanding the factors that determine road tax rates, the importance of paying road tax, and the potential benefits it offers, vehicle owners can play a vital role in supporting Singapore’s road infrastructure and ensuring a safe and well-maintained road network.
