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Vehicle Technologies and Modifications

Learn more about vehicle technologies as well as guidelines relating to vehicle modifications

 

 

At a glance

Understanding vehicle technologies and modifications

Vehicles are required to comply with international automotive standards and technical requirements before they can be approved for use on the roads.

 

Modification refers to changing any system or part of your vehicle that differs from the manufacturer’s original specifications.

 

Before you buy a used vehicle, you may want to check if the vehicle has been modified.

 

Update your motor insurer of any modifications made to the vehicle.

Modifying your vehicle

There are 3 types of vehicle modifications:

  1. Modifications that do not need LTA’s approval
  2. Modifications that need LTA’s approval
  3. Modifications that are not allowed 

 

Before you modify any part of your vehicle, check the list of modifications to see what is allowed.

 

Related digital services

Report an illegal modification

 

 

Understanding vehicle technologies

 

All vehicles registered for use in Singapore must comply with technical standards and requirements.

Vehicle components, features and fitted technologies, such as Camera Monitoring Systems, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) and LED headlamps, are also required to comply with internationally recognised vehicle safety standards such as those adopted by the European Union (EU) countries, Japan and the USA. This is to safeguard the interests of all road users.

 

Camera Monitor Systems

HID and LED Headlamps

 

Understanding vehicle modifications


A modification refers to replacing, adding or removing a vehicle’s components or systems, such that the vehicle is different from the original manufacturer's specifications. These modifications may be to enhance your vehicle’s performance, or they may be cosmetic in nature.

Before making any modifications, please check the vehicle owner's manual or consult your dealer for the manufacturer's recommendations. The modifications must comply with LTA's guidelines, which ensures that road safety and standards for exhaust gas and noise emissions are not compromised. 

To avoid committing an offence, do not carry out unauthorised modifications to your vehicle.  Any person, including workshops, who illegally modifies or uses such vehicles can be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned up to 3 months, or both. The penalties for repeat offenders are doubled.

For appeals on vehicle modification and inspection matters, please write in to LTA via our Contact Form

Guidelines for motorcycle modifications are developed in consultation with the Singapore Motor Cycle Trade Association (SMCTA).

 

Updating your insurer of modifications


When you modify your vehicle, it may affect your insurance coverage. If you have modified your vehicle, the General Insurance Association of Singapore advises you to notify your motor insurer. If you fail to do so, your claims may be declined in the event of an accident, and the motor insurance policy considered void.

You can check with your motor insurer before making any modifications.

 

Modifications when buying a used vehicle


Before buying a used or second-hand vehicle, you are advised to check that any modifications made to the vehicle are allowed. Assessment services are available at LTA-Authorised Inspection Centres (AIC).

 

Reporting illegal modifications


If you spot an illegal modification on a vehicle, you can report it via digital services.

Report an illegal modification

 

Modifying your vehicle


Before modifying your vehicle, check if you need to obtain LTA’s approval.

Vehicle modifications are classified into 3 types:

  • Modifications that do not need LTA’s approval
  • Modifications that need LTA’s approval
  • Modifications that are not allowed

All modifications must be installed by qualified personnel according to the vehicle and product manufacturer’s recommendations.

See the details for different types of modifications below.

 

Modifications that do not need LTA’s approval

 

Bumpers

Car seats

Fog lamps

Fuel additives

Fuel molecule polarisers

Gear knobs

In-vehicle entertainment systems

In-vehicle information and communication systems

Intake air filters

Intake manifolds

Meters and gauges

Radiators

Rollover bars

Roof racks

Seat belts

Side skirts

Side windows and partitions (for light goods vehicles)

Spark plugs and spark plug cables

Spoilers

Sports rims (for cars only)

Steering wheels

Sunshades and Curtains

Suspension systems

Tinted films

Tinted glass

Tyres

Motorcycle foot pegs and foot rest systems

Motorcycle chains and sprockets

Motorcycle fairings

Motorcycle horn

Motorcycle brake hose

Motorcycle rims

 


Modifications that need LTA’s approval 

 

Engines

Exhaust system

Superchargers or turbochargers

Transmission

Motorcycle engine

Motorcycle aftermarket lighting assembly


 

Modifications that are not allowed


These modifications compromise the safety of the vehicle’s occupants and other road users, or pose a nuisance to the public.  

Air horns

Chassis

Crash bars

(Aftermarket) Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs)

Decorative Lamps

Increasing Engine capacity

(Aftermarket) High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamp

Motorcycle chain guards

Motorcycle mudguard

Motorcycle rear view mirror

Motorcycle headlamp – disabling of automatic switch-on function

Motorcycle rear swing arm

Nitrous injection devices

(Use of) Spot lamps

Tinting or masking of vehicle lamps

Tow hooks

 

For more information and assistance on vehicle modifications, please contact us.