1. To safeguard passenger safety and interest, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), is stepping up enforcement against unlicensed private cars and private hire cars found plying illegally for fares[1]. More frequent checks will be conducted at high traffic areas, and at areas with high volume of feedback received.
2. Under the Road Traffic Act, unlicensed private cars or private hire cars found plying for fares illegally are liable to a fine not exceeding $3,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. The vehicle used may also be forfeited.
3. As part of its enforcement operations, LTA has charged one driver and issued warnings to 19 others who were involved in using unlicensed private cars or private hire cars to ply illegally for fares. Please refer to Annex A for details.
Enforcement Actions
4. LTA will step up targeted enforcement operations by uniformed and plain clothes enforcement officers at high traffic areas such as Clarke Quay, East Coast Seafood Centre, HarbourFront Centre, Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa and Singapore Zoo/Night Safari. Areas where we have received a high volume of feedback will also be patrolled. Please refer to Annex B for photos of some past operations carried out.
5. LTA would like to remind the public that private cars should not be used to ferry passengers for hire and reward. Meanwhile, private hire cars are not allowed to tout nor accept street hails[2]. Neither are they allowed to stop or park at taxi stops or taxi stands[3].
6. Members of the public can call 1800-CALL LTA (1800-2255 582) or visit http://www.lta.gov.sg to provide feedback.
Annex A: Chronology of events leading to the investigations and subsequent conviction of a driver for use of unlicensed Public Service Vehicle and related offences
Annex B: Past Operations against Unlicensed Public Service Vehicles
[1] Under the Road Traffic Act, it is illegal to use, rent or hire out a private car to convey passengers for reward/fare. It is also illegal for private hire cars to accept jobs through street hail.
[2] By 1H2017, LTA will require all private hire cars providing chauffeured services to display a tamper-evident decal prominently. This will facilitate commuter identification and enforcement against unlicensed public service vehicles.
[3] Those convicted in the case of a first offence is liable to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months. In the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
