91 Deregistered Vehicles Impounded in Singapore Enforcement

Why it matters

This enforcement action highlights the strict regulatory requirements for vehicle ownership in Singapore. By mandating that owners oversee the full lifecycle of a vehicle—from registration to proper disposal—the LTA aims to prevent unregistered or uninsured vehicles from entering the public transport network. The investigation into last registered owners serves as a deterrent against negligence during the transfer or disposal process.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) have impounded 91 deregistered vehicles following an islandwide enforcement operation conducted throughout September 2026. Authorities confirmed the operation on October 5, noting that these vehicles were being kept or used without valid Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) or road tax.

Why did authorities conduct the operation?

The joint enforcement effort targeted the illegal keeping and use of vehicles that have already been deregistered. According to the authorities, such vehicles pose significant road safety risks because they are not roadworthy and lack the mandatory insurance coverage required for public roads.

What was the breakdown of the impounded vehicles?

LTA statistics indicate that the majority of the 91 impounded vehicles were found being kept rather than driven. The specific breakdown is as follows:

46 cars
40 motorcycles
5 light goods vehicles

Of this total, 76 vehicles were found in storage, while 15 were identified as being actively used on the road.

What are the responsibilities of vehicle owners?

The authorities have issued a reminder that the onus is on vehicle owners to ensure all administrative processes are completed when a vehicle is deregistered. This includes obtaining the correct disposal documents when handing a car over to dealers for export.

When trading in a vehicle, owners are advised to complete the transfer of ownership before the vehicle is officially deregistered. Owners should also verify that the buyer confirms the transfer transaction through the LTA’s OneMotoring website.

What happens next?

The LTA will investigate the last registered owner of any vehicle found to be misused. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected cases of illegal vehicle use to the relevant authorities to maintain road safety standards.

Frequently asked questions

What is vehicle impoundment in Singapore?

Vehicle impoundment is an enforcement action where the Land Transport Authority and Singapore Police Force seize vehicles found to be non-compliant with regulations, such as those that are deregistered but still being kept or used without valid road tax or insurance.

Why were these 91 vehicles impounded?

These vehicles were impounded because they were deregistered but still being kept or used on roads without valid Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) or road tax, which authorities stated created serious road safety and insurance risks.

What types of vehicles were seized?

The operation resulted in the seizure of 46 cars, 40 motorcycles, and 5 light goods vehicles. Authorities noted that 76 were found being kept, while 15 were being used on the road.

Who is responsible for the deregistered vehicle?

The onus is on the last registered owner to ensure all administrative processes are completed during disposal. This includes finalizing the transfer of ownership before deregistration and verifying the transaction on the LTA’s OneMotoring portal.

Will owners be investigated?

Yes. The Land Transport Authority confirmed that it will conduct investigations into the last registered owner of any vehicle found to be misused or kept illegally after the deregistration process.

How should owners properly dispose of a vehicle?

Owners must ensure they obtain the relevant disposal documents when handing vehicles over to dealers for export and ensure that the transfer of ownership is fully completed and confirmed by the buyer via the official LTA website.