Foreign-registered cars impounded after drivers were found operating without valid transport licences
Eight drivers using foreign-registered vehicles were caught illegally transporting tourists to Singapore attractions like Gardens by the Bay. Their vehicles were impounded in a joint LTA and STB operation, highlighting ongoing enforcement against unlicensed cross-border transport services.
Eight Caught in Joint Crackdown at Singapore Tourist Spots
In a swift enforcement action, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) jointly apprehended eight individuals illegally ferrying passengers to two of the city’s top attractions: the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, and Gardens by the Bay. The operation, which took place last week, led to the impounding of all eight foreign-registered vehicles used in the offence.
These drivers, operating without the required Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences, were found offering point-to-point services using vehicles registered outside Singapore—most likely from Malaysia. While they were not engaged in unlicensed tourist guiding, the act of transporting passengers without proper authorisation remains a serious offence under Singapore law.
Legal Penalties and Public Risk
LTA reminded the public that such unlicensed services are illegal and unsafe. Without the proper licensing and insurance, passengers are at heightened risk in the event of an accident. Offenders caught providing illegal point-to-point transport services face:
- Fines of up to S$3,000
- Jail terms of up to six months
- Forfeiture of vehicles involved
The authority urged visitors and residents alike to avoid engaging these services and instead use licensed, insured transport providers for their safety and protection.
Cross-Border Transport Abuse on the Rise
This joint operation marked the first collaboration between LTA and STB. According to a statement to Channel NewsAsia, since 2022, a total of 68 drivers have been caught illegally providing cross-border passenger services with foreign-registered vehicles. Their penalties included fines of up to S$2,600 (approx. Rp32.5 million) and the permanent seizure of their vehicles.
Such illegal services are commonly offered near airports, tourist hotspots, and border checkpoints, often through informal agreements or ride-hailing apps circumventing regulations.
Previous Enforcement Highlights Pattern
The latest incident follows similar enforcement actions, including a major seizure in December 2024, where 12 foreign-registered vehicles were impounded at Changi Airport for operating cross-border ride-hailing services. Industry groups, including the National Private Hire Vehicles Association, praised these crackdowns for protecting the legal livelihood of licensed drivers.
Such illegal services are not only unfair to legitimate operators but also undermine Singapore’s tightly regulated transport ecosystem.
Singapore Laws Clear on Foreign Vehicle Use
The LTA has made it clear: Malaysia-registered private cars and hire vehicles cannot provide taxi or private hire car services within Singapore. These laws are in place to ensure a fair, safe, and controlled environment for both drivers and passengers.
Only vehicles with valid public service licences are allowed to offer chauffeured or on-demand transport services in Singapore, whether for local or cross-border travel. The current laws apply uniformly, and offenders—regardless of nationality—are subject to penalties.
This latest crackdown highlights Singapore’s strict enforcement on illegal transport activities, particularly involving foreign-registered vehicles. For Indonesians frequently traveling between Batam, Johor, and Singapore, the case underscores the importance of using licensed and insured transportation for safety and compliance. The growing number of offenders since 2022 signals a persistent issue, prompting closer cooperation between transport and tourism authorities to deter future violations.
Sources: Must Share News (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Foreign Registered Vehicles, Illegal Point To Point, Gardens By The Bay, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, LTA Enforcement, Cross Border Crackdown
