Amirull Salihing
Outstanding fines now block a Singapore Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) application or renewal for foreign-registered vehicles. The rule took effect on 2 November. A joint release by Singapore’s home affairs ministry and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) set it out. It arrives before the VEP fee rises to S$50 a day on 1 January 2027.
The release is dated 15 May 2026. However, it matters now because the rule is in force. Drivers from Johor who plan a trip should settle any Singapore fines first.
Overall, here is what the rule covers, how to check for fines and what to do before you apply.
What the rule covers
The release says foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding fines cannot apply for or renew a VEP. However, the LTA handles the permit. The fines are for traffic, parking or vehicular emissions offences committed in Singapore.
The release says such vehicles could previously be denied entry only on arrival at the land checkpoints. Therefore, the check now applies at the permit stage. A driver with unpaid fines will not get a permit to begin with.
The footnote widens the scope beyond private cars. It covers motorcycles, ASEAN public service vehicle permits for taxis and buses, and ASEAN goods vehicle permits for lorries. Moreover, it covers Autopass card applications for ASEAN cross-border permit holders.
Still, the release does not say whether Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges count as outstanding fines. Drivers should check with the LTA before applying. The release also states no grace period for drivers.
How to check and pay
The release tells drivers to check for fines at the AXS website. Settle them before applying for or renewing a VEP on the LTA’s OneMotoring website, and well before the intended trip.
Payment channels include AXS kiosks, the AXS website and the AXS mobile app. In addition, drivers can pay through the websites or customer service counters of the agencies that issued the fines. The release lists each agency in an annex.
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However, payment providers can take up to two calendar days to process payments. The agency records then need time to update. Therefore, do not pay on the day you apply.
For offences you dispute, the release says to contact the relevant agency. Details are in the same annex. Meanwhile, Singapore motorists with outstanding traffic fines in Malaysia are also advised to settle them before entering Malaysia.
What to do before you drive
Apply for a VEP at least two weeks before your intended entry date, the release advises. Combined with the two-day payment lag, drivers should build in a buffer rather than pay on the application day. Furthermore, a refused application could affect a planned holiday trip.
Consider the year-end calendar. Singapore school holidays begin on 21 November, and the busiest crossing days follow. Our earlier story covers the Singapore border changes from 1 January.
Taxi operators should note the scope too. Cross-border taxis are included in the footnote. Likewise, the extra licences from 16 November do not change the fines rule. Our story on more cross-border taxis explains.
In short, unpaid fines now block a VEP application or renewal. Check the AXS website, pay early and allow two days for records to update before you apply.
Navin Kumar Perianen
Maran Perianen
Yalinie Mathan
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