In this article, we will discuss some of the rules by LTA for approved car plate requirement. In Singapore, the vehicle number registration plates are administered and regulated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). All motor vehicles have to display a vehicle registration number plate at the front and rear of the vehicle.
There are two sets of colour schemes permitted: white-on-black style that is standard practice from dealerships, or the Euro black-on-white (front) and black-on-yellow style (back). These plates either come in rectangular single line, or squarish two lines format.
While there is no standardisation of typeface used, all fonts used on Singapore’s license plate are based on modifications of the Charles Wright number plate typeface that is commonly used in the UK. Other popular European fonts such as Arial Bold and FE-Schrift are strictly prohibited by LTA and you are likely to fail your inspection at an LTA-Authorised Vehicle Inspection Centre.
Lettering Dimensions
According to the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Registration and Licensing) Rules:
- All letters and figures shall be 50 mm high; every part of every letter and figure shall be 10 mm broad; and the total width of the space taken by every letter or figure shall be 30 mm.
- The space between letters and between adjoining figures shall be 10 mm and there shall be a margin between the nearest part of any letter or figure and the top or bottom of the black surface upon which the identification mark is inscribed of at least 10 mm and between the nearest part of any letter or figure and the sides of the black surface of at least 20 mm.
- Where the identification mark is arranged in accordance with Diagram No. 1, the space between the upper and lower line shall be 15 mm and the space between the figures and the last letter shall be 20 mm.
- Where the identification mark is arranged in accordance with Diagram No. 2, the space between the letters and the figures shall be 20 mm.
Penalties for Illegal Vehicle License Plates
It is illegal for one to display a vehicle license plate that is not compliant with LTA requirements. All registered vehicle owners must ensure that their vehicle license plates comply with the requirements as set out in the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Registration and Licensing) Rules. It is an offence to display vehicle license plates that do not comply with the prescribed specifications. For first-time offenders, it carries a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment of up to three months, or both. The penalties are doubled for any repeat offenders.
This is why vehicle license plates are also checked during periodic inspection for all vehicles in Singapore. Moreover, LTA also enforces these rules against errant vehicles through regular patrols and whistleblowing from members of the public. According to the Ministry of Transport, LTA has taken enforcement actions against more than 2,000 vehicles with license plate offences from January to October 2023. Thus, it is best to only purchase LTA approved car plates to avoid any legal consequences.
Where to Purchase LTA Approved Vehicle License Plates
To comply with the rules and regulations set by LTA, it is advised that you purchase car plates from sellers that follow the specifications of an approved license car plate. At Same Day Car Plate, all our car plates are fabricated in accordance with the lettering dimensions set out by LTA. They are also further protected by industrial grade chemicals, such as Autosol® Germany and Glasurit® Germany 2K Clear Coat to prevent corrosion and yellowing of characters. Browse from our range of available designs and get your car plates delivered and installed on the same day, at your residential carpark or convenience.
