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| Proof Of Business And Panel Markings Required For Light Goods Vehicles And Small Buses Of Not More Than 9 Persons (Excluding Driver) |
With effect from 1 July 2002, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will require those intending to register or take over ownership of light goods vehicles (LGVs) or small buses with seating capacity of not more than 9 persons (i.e. excluding the driver) to show valid proof of business. This is to prevent the use of light goods vehicles and small buses as a substitute for personal private transport. These vehicles are subject to significantly lower taxes in recognition of their commercial/business use. All LGVs and small buses registered or transferred on or after 1 July 2002 must also display on the sides of the vehicle the following information:
These panel markings will have the lettering (common capital letters) in white on a black background and will be located at the bottom of the front doors of LGVs or the sides of small buses. The size of the lettering shall be not less than 25 mm in height. For the purposes of these requirements, the LGVs refer to goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight (mlw) not exceeding 3 metric tonnes if the LGV was registered with a COE issued before the March 1998 tender; or not exceeding 3.5 metric tonnes if it was registered with a COE from March 1998 tender onwards. These requirements will not apply to vehicles, which are currently classified as Goods-Cum-Passengers vehicles (GPVs), as such vehicles are already levied higher taxes compared to goods vehicles, to reflect their dual usage. Examples of GPVs include station wagons constructed for carriage of 7 passengers or more, twin-cabin goods vehicles and panel vans. The penalty for failing to comply with the above requirements is a maximum fine of $1,000 or imprisonment of up to three months upon conviction. For second or subsequent convictions, offenders are liable to a fine of $2,000 or imprisonment of up to six months. |