Singapore to ban old motorcycles by 2028

Singapore enforces stricter emissions regulations vs old MCs

For many Filipinos, Singapore is perhaps known as our ASEAN neighbor that employs their homeland laws very strictly.

It is one, if not the only country in the world that bans the selling of bubble gums like prohibited drugs because they simply don’t want people to throw them away on the streets or even stick them anywhere in train stations. The penalty for selling bubble gums is SGD 100,000 or about PHP 3.6-million, plus jail time of up to 2 years. Spitting in public is also dealt with a harsh SGD 1,000 penalty or roughly PHP 36,000.

Starting April 6, 2023, owners of old motorcycles plying Singapore’s streets must meet the new emissions regulations or face hefty fines. This is Singapore’s effort to reduce air pollution and improve its air quality.

Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA), has said that local motorcycles originally registered before July 1, 2003, are affected. “These motorcycles can continue to be used until Jun 30, 2028, as long as they meet the tightened in-use emission standards,” said NEA.

Motorcycles registered after July 1, 2003, are already covered by the new policy.

Foreign motorcycles (motorcycles coming in or just passing by Singapore) are not going to be exempted, says NEA. “This is similar to current rules requiring foreign motorcycles to adhere to the same exhaust noise limit as local motorcycles, and not to emit any smoke or visible vapor," said the agency. 

Ban on motorcycles 2003 model and below

_{2002 Honda CBR 954 RR}

The NEA says that Singapore motorcycles that were registered before July 1, 2003, will be banned from the roads starting July 1, 2028. But, there is hope for owners who want to retain their old motorcycles.

“For owners who wish to keep their older motorcycles as a classic vehicle, [the] NEA is exploring a temporary scheme which would allow local motorcycles that were first registered between Jul 2, 1993, and Jun 30, 2003, to be retained after Jun 30, 2028, until such time when they are eligible for the Classic Vehicle Scheme,” NEA said.

To be eligible as a “classic” motorcycle in Singapore, the bike should be at least 35 years or older from its original vehicle registration and is subject to certain usage restrictions. The NEA also added that they will be consulting with relevant industry and interest groups for such schemes.