Vehicle Technologies and Modifications

Some vehicle manufacturers have introduced a Camera Monitor System (CMS) as an alternative to conventional mirrors on vehicles. This system works by transmitting live rear-view images to in-vehicle display monitors.  Compared with conventional mirrors, these systems can provide a more consistent view of vehicle surroundings, as they are able to reduce the glare from headlights emitted by vehicles from the rear. They provide a clearer view during poor weather and low-light conditions, and provide a wider field of view, minimising blind spots around the vehicle.

There are 2 types of CMS that are available in the market

a)           Internal rear-view mirror with CMS

b)           CMS replacing rear-view mirrors

a) Internal rear-view mirror with CMS

In some vehicles, the CMS complements the conventional internal rear-view mirror. It is integrated into the conventional rear-view mirror and the driver can either look at the CMS or conventional mirror.

b) CMS replacing rear-view mirrors

"Audi e-Tron virtual mirrors" by seanavigatorsson is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In other vehicles, the CMS replaces the rear-view mirrors located at the sides of the vehicle. Instead of conventional mirrors, cameras are used to transmit live rear-view images to display screens. The camera housing prevents the lens from being clouded by water or dirt, while the display screens automatically adjust the display brightness based on lighting conditions. The replacement of conventional mirrors with CMS provides drivers with a clearer and wider rear view and could improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Compliance to safety standards

Only factory fitted CMS that comply with safety standards and regulations such as United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE R46) or Japanese Vehicle Safety Regulations (JSR 44) are approved for use in Singapore.

High Intensity Discharge Headlamps

The use of High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps or whiter headlamp bulbs is a common trend in the automotive industry. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has allowed HID headlamps to be fitted on vehicles, because they are more energy efficient, and provide improved visibility compared to standard halogen lamps.

LED Headlamps

LED Lighting

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor light sources that produce light when an electric current flow through them. In recent years, vehicle manufacturers have started to introduce LED technology to headlamps. LED headlamp bulbs require less energy, and have a longer lifespan compared to halogen and HID headlamps.

LED headlamps produce light that is close to the colour of daylight, providing clearer visibility at night. LED headlamps require cooling systems such as heat sinks or fans to keep cool. This makes the LED light physically larger than a halogen bulb, so there may be compatibility issues when installing LED lights into headlamp housings designed for halogen bulbs.

Like other headlamps, LED headlamps must meet international standards and be factory-fitted by vehicle manufacturers, to ensure that they are properly aligned and operate safely.

Headlamp Levelling Devices

With the increasing trend in the use of HID and LED headlamps, there has been feedback from motorists that such headlamps are brighter and cause glare. To reduce glare, vehicle manufacturers have incorporated headlamp levelling devices that can adjust the angle of the headlamp based on road and driving conditions.

LTA requires all newly registered vehicles (except motorcycles) fitted with HID and LED headlamps to be equipped with a headlamp levelling device as recommended by vehicle manufacturers.

These requirements must be met when changing or modifying bumpers:

• The bumper design is approved by the vehicle manufacturer
• The bumper must not have any sharp corners or edges

Car seats, including sport seats and bucket seats, must be properly and safely secured using the original anchorage points of the vehicle. The car seats must not obstruct the driver's view.

Any modification to original airbag-equipped car seats must be carried out in consultation with the vehicle manufacturer or its authorised agent.

Fog lamps must meet the requirements below, or be covered at all times when the vehicle is used in Singapore.

• The fog lamps should bear approved markings to show that they meet international standards, such as those adopted in the European Union, Japan and the United States. For example, if the fog lamps meet United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulations, they will bear markings 'B' and 'F' for the front and rear fog lamps respectively
• The front fog lamps must only cast a white or yellow light. They must be installed not more than 400mm from the sides of the vehicle and at least 600mm apart from each other. They should also be located below the headlights and at least 250mm above the road surface
• The rear fog lamp can be a single unit or a matched pair. The rear fog lamp must cast a red light and be located between 250mm and 1,000mm above the road surface. For a single rear fog lamp, it must be installed at the centre or right side of the vehicle. The distance between the rear fog lamp and each stop lamp must be more than 100mm
• The front fog lamps can only be switched on if the front and rear position lamps are switched on. The rear fog lamps can only be switched on when the front headlamps are switched on
• There should be separate switches for the headlamps and fog lamps. Switching on the position lamps or headlamps should not automatically switch on the fog lamps

Fuel additives must be used according to the product manufacturer's recommendations.

The installation of fuel molecule polarisers must not adversely affect the operation of the vehicle fuel system. 

Aftermarket gear knobs should be securely fastened according to the product manufacturer's recommendations.

The installation of in-vehicle entertainment systems, such TV, VCD/DVD systems or LCD screens, must meet these requirements:

• The driver should not be able to see the visual display unit of the system. If the driver can see it, the system should automatically disable or switch off the visual display when the vehicle is moving
• It does not interfere with vehicle controls or instrumentation
• The electrical system should be adequately protected against fire hazards

In-vehicle information and communication systems should meet these requirements:

• The system is designed for safe driving:

o    It does not unduly distract the driver or result in potentially dangerous driving. Text information is sufficiently large, brief and concise so that the driver can read all the information on the screen at a glance while still driving safely

o    It should have a voice guidance feature so that the driver interacts with the visual display unit as little as possible

• The system does not interfere with vehicle controls or instrumentation in any way
• The system is adequately protected against fire hazards
• The system must only be used by drivers when it is safe to do so

Changing of original intake air filters to other filters, such as high flow, cone-type or open pod-type filters, must not affect the structural integrity of the vehicle. 

The installation of aftermarket intake manifolds must not adversely affect the exhaust emission characteristics of the vehicle. 

Additional meters or gauges on the dashboard, such as vacuum gauges, oil temperature gauges or battery voltage meters, should not obstruct the driver's view. These additional meters or gauges should not interfere with the vehicle controls or instrumentation.

The installation of aftermarket radiators must not affect the structural integrity of the vehicle.

If your vehicle is a convertible, the installation of aftermarket rollover bars must not obstruct the driver's view. 

These requirements must be met when installing roof racks:

• They should not protrude from the vehicle body laterally or longitudinally
• The cargo and its carrier on the roof rack should not exceed the loading capacity of the vehicle or the roof rack
• The cargo should be securely fastened to the roof rack and no part of the cargo or its carrier should protrude laterally beyond the vehicle

These requirements must be met when changing to aftermarket seat belts (e.g. aftermarket 5-point seat belts):

• The seat belts must be anchored to proper seat belt anchorage points in the vehicle
• They must comply with international standards
• Any device that may hinder the operation of the seat belt, such as a belt stopper, should not be used

These requirements must be met when installing side skirts:

• They should not protrude from the car body laterally
• They should not have sharp corners and edges
• The lowest point of the side skirts should not come into contact with the road surface at any time

Owners of light goods vehicles can:

a) Install side windows in the rear compartment of their vehicles

Side windows give passengers in the rear compartment a more comfortable ride. Drivers will also be able to see better, especially when they are changing lanes, making turns or reversing.

b) Remove the partition that separates the driver's cabin and the cargo compartment
This will allow passengers in the cargo compartment to escape through the front doors, in addition to the rear hatch door and side doors of the vehicle, in the event of an accident.

The installation of aftermarket spark plugs and spark plug cables should not interfere with vehicle controls or instrumentation.

These requirements must be met when installing spoilers:

• They should not protrude from the car body laterally or longitudinally
• They should not have any sharp corners and edges
• They should not obstruct the driver's view

These requirements must be met when installing sports rims in cars:

• The size of the sports rims should follow the car manufacturer's recommendations
• They should not protrude from the car body laterally
• The overall rolling radius of the wheels and tyres should remain the same as the original

Any modification to original airbag-equipped steering wheels must be carried out in consultation with the vehicle manufacturer or its agent.

These requirements must be met when installing sunshades:

• No part of the sunshades should be affixed
• More than 150mm from the top edge of the front windscreen
• More than 100mm from the top edge of the rear windscreen and side windows
• Graphics and words should not be pornographic, obscene or vulgar. They also must not be seditious or offend any religious belief

The use of curtains and removable sunshades for windows and windscreens while driving may reduce the visibility of the driver to view his/her surroundings and may affect road safety.

Such accessories can be fitted only when the vehicle is stationary or parked.

These requirements must be met when changing or modifying the suspension system (e.g. aftermarket springs, shock absorbers, strut bars, anti-roll bars):

• Aftermarket suspension systems should not adversely affect vehicle steering and manoeuvring
• The lowest point of the vehicle body should not come into contact with the road surface at any time
• No part of the vehicle bodywork should be modified to accommodate the suspension system

These requirements must be met when installing tinted films on windscreens and windows:

• They must be non-reflective
• At least 70% of light must be able to pass through the front windscreen and the two front side windows
• At least 25% of light must be able to pass through the rear windscreen and the two rear side windows
• The front windscreen must not affect the transmission of signals between the In-vehicle Unit (IU) and the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantry

To ensure that the tinted films comply with these requirements, you can send your vehicle for testing at any LTA-Authorised Inspection Centres.

These requirements must be met when installing tinted glass:

• They must comply with international standards for safety glasses
• At least 70% of light must be able to pass through the front windscreen and the two front side windows
• At least 25% of light must be able to pass through the rear windscreen and the two rear side windows
• The front windscreen must not affect the transmission of signals between the In-vehicle Unit (IU) and the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantry
• To ensure that the tinted glasses comply with the above requirements, you can send your vehicle for testing at any LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre(AIC).

These requirements must be met when replacing tyres:

• Every wheel of a vehicle should be fitted with a pneumatic tyre that is of the correct width, profile and diameter recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
• The tyres must not protrude from the vehicle body laterally
• The overall rolling radius of the wheels and tyres should remain the same as the original.
• Off-road tyres (such as slick tyres, semi-slick tyres, cross-country tyres for rugged terrain, etc) are not allowed for use on normal roads

Retrofitting of aftermarket foot pegs is allowed as long as it is able to accomodate the width of the rider's feet and is fastened securely at the original location with no sharp edges.

Aftermarket foot rest systems that do not alter the motorcycle's braking sytem, gear shifting pattern or the rider's riding posture are allowed. 

The installation of aftermarket sprockets and chains must be carried out according to the product manufacturer's recommendations. The sprocket teeth must be able to sit within the gaps of the chain link to prevent any chain drop as this can adversely affect the operation of the motorcycle drive train.

Note: If the motorcycle comes with a chain guard, it must not be removed to minimise potential injury to the rider if the chain or sprocket fails.

The replacement fairing should be specifically manufactured for the motorcycle model and installed according to the product manufacturer's recommendations.

Since fairing replacements come in many shapes and sizes, the installation of replacement fairing must not change the original appearance of the motorcycle. The replacement fairing must not have sharp edges and the original lighting systems of the motorcycle must also be maintained. 

The replacement motorcycle horn must produce a constant/continous tone to adequately warn other road users of its approach or position. Horns must not produce musical or varying tones. They should also not produce alarming sounds similar to vehicles used by the fire brigade, emergency services (ambulance), police etc.

Aftermarket motorcycle horns (including those that come in a match pair) must bear approval markings to show that they comply with UNECE Regulation 28, an internationally recognised safety standard for audible warning devices. 

The replacement motorcycle brake hose and its fittings must meet safety standards such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 106. They must also be installed according to the product manufacturer's recomendations.

Note: Brakes are critical safety components of a vehicle. The aftermarket replacement of the brake hose must not affect the overall performance of the motorcycle's braking system for it to operate safely.

"Braided Brake Hoses" by Matt Worthington is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

When replacing motorcycle rims, the size (i.e. width and diameter) of the rims installed must be according to the motorcycle manufacturer's recommendations and must not be altered.

A motorcycle handlebar riser can improve rider comfort. However, a poor quality and incorrectly installed handlebar riser can potentially cause mechanical problems and affect the rider's ability to safely control the motorcycle. These requirements must be met when installing handlebar risers:

•  The riser must

 i. Be from the original product manufacturer and installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations

ii. Be non-adjustable and only installed on the motorcycle model range it is designed for

iii. Allow sufficient space for cables, brake lines and other components

•  The riser must not

i.  Exceed 50mm and cannot be used on covered handlebars

ii. Affect the operation of any controls on the handlebar

•  The handlebar (with the riser installed) must not block the rider’s view of the instruments, indicator lights and rear-view mirrors

Examples of risers installed on handlebars

In the event of an accident, a motorcycle engine guard/crash bar protects the rider’s leg and critical parts such as the engine and fuel tank. These requirements must be met when installing an engine guard/crash bar:

• Only install on the motorcycle’s mounting points according to the recommendations of the product manufacturer
• The engine guard/crash bar must be within the width of the motorcycle’s handlebar
• The engine guard/crash bar must not have any sharp edges

Example of an engine guard/crash bar

Worn out tires have less grip and can increase the risk of accidents. Regularly check your tyres and replace them if they look worn or damaged. When replacing motorcycle tyres, these requirements must be met:

• The tyres must bear safety approval marks
• The tyres must meet the speed and load rating specified by the motorcycle manufacturer
• The tyres must fit the rim dimensions of the wheel and must not come into contact with the mudguard, swing arm or other parts of the motorcycle
• Off-road tyres (marked with “Not for highway use”) are not allowed for use on public roads

You may approach your local agent or motorcycle manufacturer for advice on suitable tyre types/sizes.

Note: The speed and load rating of a tyre is expressed in alphanumeric codes.

Example of an off-road tyre

LTA allows the change of engine if the replacement engine is the same type as the original. You need to submit the following for evaluation: 

For new or re-conditioned engines

• Invoice or bill of sales from the replacement engine’s supplier
• Certification from vehicle manufacturer or the local sales agent stating that the replacement engine is the same type as the original

Swapping of engines

• Swapping of engines between two registered vehicles is allowed, provided that both engines are of the same type and engine capacity
• After the swap, one of the vehicles must be scrapped immediately while the other must be produced for inspection at an LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre(AIC).

The exhaust system, which consists of the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter and muffler, is used as part of a vehicle's exhaust-emission control system to ensure that the exhaust emission meets environmental standards. Before replacing or changing the exhaust system, you need to get LTA’s approval by submitting these for evaluation: 

• Certification from the product manufacturer stating that the proposed aftermarket exhaust system is suitable for the make and model of the vehicle
• Test reports from LTA or NEA recognised test laboratories to show that the aftermarket exhaust system, when fitted to your vehicle, complies with noise and exhaust emission standards for your vehicle model and meets NEA's noise and emission requirements

You are not allowed to remove catalytic converters and mufflers, as it will adversely affect the exhaust emission characteristics of the vehicle. The removal of the silencer/dB killer for motorcycle's exhaust system is not allowed as it will cause noise pollution. 

The addition of superchargers or turbochargers to a vehicle may adversely affect its safe operation and exhaust emission characteristics. You need to submit these for LTA’s evaluation: 

• Technical specifications and installation details (including photos) of the proposed supercharger or turbocharger
• Certification from the vehicle manufacturer stating that the supercharger or turbocharger is suitable for your vehicle’s make and model
• Test reports from LTA- or NEA-recognised test laboratories to show that the turbocharger or supercharger, when fitted to your vehicle,  complies with exhaust emission standards for your vehicle model

LTA allows transmissions to be changed from manual to auto and vice versa. You need to submit these for LTA’s approval: 

• Invoice of the proposed transmission from the supplier
• Certification from the manufacturer stating that the transmission is suitable for the vehicle

Replacing a motorcycle's engine/crankcase is allowed as long as it is of the same make and model and has the same engine capacity. You need to submit the following documents to LTA for evaluation:

• Change of Vehicle Particulars (CVP) application form (PDF, 253kB)
• Vehicle manufacturer/local agent's certification letter (for make, model and capacity) for the replacement engine
• Engine supplier's invoice for the reconditioned engine or vehicle manufacturer invoice for the new engine

After obtaining LTA's approval and replacing the engine/crankcase, the vehicle must be inspected at any LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre(AIC).

Replacing the original lighting assembly with an aftermarket one must be supported by the vehicle manufacturer to show that it continues to comply with safety standards (in terms of their operation, intensity, brightness and etc.) and to prevent unwanted glare/distraction to other road users. You will need to submit the following documents to LTA for evaluation:

• Detailed specification and installation details of the aftermarket lighting assembly
• Test reports and certifications showing that the aftermarket lighting assembly has been manufactured and tested according to internationally recognized standards
• Certification from the vehicle manufacturer that the aftermarket lighting assembly is suitable to be fitted to the specific motorcycle make and model

"Cool Heat" by theentiremikey is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Air horns are shrill and loud. They are distracting and a nuisance to others.

The chassis is an integral part of a vehicle and it cannot be modified. If it is damaged beyond repair, the vehicle must be scrapped.

Crash bars, such as Bull bars and Kangaroo bars, can worsen injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision. They are meant to protect vehicles from head-on collisions with large animals. In an urban setting like Singapore, this risk is low.

Aftermarket DRL kits may cause unwanted glare and distract other motorists on the roads.

Vehicles should only be installed with factory-fitted DRLs, as the vehicle manufacturer would have designed the lamps to meet international standards.

Decorative lamps, such as wiper washer LEDs, undercarriage neon lights, vehicle-interior neon lights or flashing decorative lights may distract and disorient other road users.

Increasing the engine capacity, such as enlarging the cylinder bore of the engine, may damage the engine. It may also adversely affect the safety and exhaust emissions of the vehicle.

Aftermarket High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamp kits may cause unwanted glare. Vehicles should only be equipped with factory-fitted HID lamps as they are designed to meet international standards. 

Replacement bulbs for factory fitted HID lamps must also be recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Higher wattage bulbs are not allowed as they increase the risk of fire.

For more information on HID and LED vehicle headlamps, click here

Chain guards help to reduce injury to motorcyclists when the chain or sprocket fails. They cannot be removed.

Motorcycles that are originally equipped with mudguards to catch, so far as practicable, mud and water thrown up by the rotation of the wheels, must not be removed. 

Image credit: SMCTA

Every motorcycle must be equipped with rear view mirrors to assist the rider to become aware of the traffic at the rear. Not having a rear view mirror is a safety risk, as riders would be unaware of the traffic at the rear. 

To help increase other motorists' awareness of motorcycles on the road, motorcycles that were not originally equipped with daytime running lamps and registered in Singapore on or after 1st November 1997, must be equipped with an automatic headlamp switch-on function.

This function will automatically turn on a motorcycle's headlamp when the engine is started and it must remain lit at all times whenever the engine is running. This function must not be disabled or removed.

Any modification of the original rear swing arm can affect the rider's ability to ride or manoeuvre the motorcycle safely and thus is not allowed.

Nitrous injection devices introduce highly reactive nitrogen oxide gas into the combustion chamber.  This results in faster combustion that may damage the engine. It may also adversely affect the safety and exhaust emissions of the vehicle.

Spot lamps must be covered in Singapore as they cause glare and distract other drivers. They are not necessary on roads in Singapore, which are well-lit.

Tinting or masking of vehicle lamps, such as headlamps, stop lamps and signal lamps, may adversely affect their performance.

Tow hooks have sharp and hard surfaces that may aggravate injuries in the event of a collision.