Complete Guide to Car Plate Bidding in Singapore

When it comes to driving in Singapore, your vehicle registration number (VRN) or car number plate is more than just an identifier; it’s a quirky blend of rules, history, and a dash of personality. From standard issue plates to customised ones that make heads turn; Singapore’s car number plate system is as detailed as it is fascinating. Whether you’re curious about the different types or keen to bid for your unique car number through the number plate bidding process, here’s everything you need to know. 

What is a Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)?

In Singapore, every vehicle needs a Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) displayed on its number plates. The VRN must be displayed on both the front and back plates of the vehicle. 

First things first, let’s break down what makes up a Singaporean car number plate: 

Prefix: One to three letters indicating the vehicle registration series.   
Numerical Series: A number ranging from 1 to 9999. 
Suffix: A checksum letter for validation.

For instance, in the registration number SGD1234A: 

SGD is the prefix. 
1234 is the numerical series. 
A is the suffix.

What do the Vehicle Registration Numbers and Car Plate Colours Mean?

Singapore’s car plates are a colourful and organised system, each category revealing something unique about the vehicle. Here’s a guide to the different types, including their prefixes and colours: 

When transferring or deregistering an existing vehicle, the vehicle registration number (VRN) can be retained and reassigned to a new vehicle, with specific fees and processes involved. 

Standard Plates:

Private Cars: Sporting white letters on a black background, or a white front plate and yellow back plate with black letters, these plates follow the format SXX1234X. Here, 'S' stands for Singapore, followed by two suffixes which details the Car Prefix Commencing Year. '1234' is a unique number and ‘A’ is the checksum letter.

Motorcycles: Similar in style to private cars but smaller in size, motorcycle plates are identified by the letter ‘F’. They feature white letters on a black background and follow the format FXX1234X.

Commercial Vehicles:

Light Goods Vehicles: These plates stand out with black characters on a yellow background, and starts with the letter G.

Public buses and taxis: Public buses and taxis in Singapore have their vehicle number plates start with the letters SBS or SMB, and have black characters on a white background. While taxis number plates have a prefix of ‘SH’ and have white characters on a black background.

Special Plates:

Off-Peak Cars (OPC): Red plates with white letters mark these vehicles, which are restricted to off-peak hours to enjoy tax benefits. They follow a format similar to private cars.

Vintage Cars: These plates often feature a top half in reddish-orange and a bottom half in yellow, signifying specific usage restrictions.

Research and Development Cars: Half yellow, half blue plates diagonally separated with white characters indicate these cars are in the testing phase. An example is the Renault experimental electric car with the plate RD 3073 K.

Diplomatic and Official Vehicles:

Foreign diplomat vehicles: S, ending with CD.

Emergency and law enforcement vehicles: For Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force vehicles featuring a 'QX' prefix.

Special Use Vehicles:

Pulau Ubin Vehicles: Exclusively used on the island of Pulau Ubin and exempt from tax, these vehicles have green plates with white letters.

Restricted Use Vehicles: For vehicles limited to specific locations, such as zoo trams, these plates are split diagonally into green and red halves and are exempt from road tax.

Hazmat Vehicles: Orange plates mark these vehicles, indicating they are licensed to carry dangerous cargo.

What are the Guidelines for Car Plates?

In Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulates car number plates. Here are some tips and key regulations to keep in mind: 

For any issues or assistance with car plates, one can visit the LTA Customer Service Centre. 

Size and Font:

Number plates must follow specific size and font guidelines to ensure they’re easy to read. The LTA sets the dimensions and typeface to be used.

Material and Reflectivity:

Plates should be made from durable materials and need to be reflective for visibility under different lighting conditions.

Display Rules:

Number plates must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle. They should be securely fastened and not covered by any part of the vehicle.

Custom Plates:

You can apply for custom plates for a personal touch! Just follow the specific guidelines set by the LTA, and note that there might be a fee involved.

Replacement and Damage:

If your number plate gets damaged or lost, it’s important to replace it promptly. Apply for a replacement through authorised channels to stay compliant.

Fines for non-compliance

Motorists who don’t follow these regulations can face fines and penalties. This includes using illegal fonts, incorrect placement, or having damaged plates. So, keep your car plates in check to avoid any hassles!  

What’s VRN Bidding?

When you buy a new vehicle, you have two options for your VRN: 

Go with the Flow: Get a VRN automatically assigned by the LTA at no extra charge. 
Make It Personal: Bid for a VRN of your choice! You’ll need to participate in the bidding exercise for your preferred car plate number before registering your new vehicle. Ensure you prepare the necessary documents for bid submission to avoid any delays.

Already have a vehicle and want to change its VRN? No problem! You can bid for a new VRN and pay a fee to swap it out. 

Love your current VRN and want to keep it for your new ride? You can totally do that too. Just choose to retain your existing VRN and assign it to your new vehicle. 

How Can I Take Part in Car Plate Bidding?

Securing a number plate: a final step that brings a vehicle’s identity to the road, ensuring it meets legal requirements and is ready for travel.

You can bid for special or unique number plates through the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take part in the VRN bidding process: 

Check for Available Car Numbers: 
The LTA regularly releases lists of available numbers for bidding. These can be found on the LTA’s website or through official announcements. 
Submit Your VRN Bid:  
You can submit your bid through the OneMotoring website. Ensure you have a valid SingPass or CorpPass to log in. 

Fill in the required details, including your preferred number and the amount you are willing to bid. Note that there is a minimum bid amount that varies based on the number series. 
Pay the Bid Deposit:  
A deposit is required to confirm your bid. This amount is typically a percentage of your bid amount and must be paid online during the submission process. Ensure you have a valid internet banking account for making payments. 
Wait for the Results: 
Once the bidding period closes, the LTA will review all bids. Successful bidders will be notified, and the deposit will be deducted from the total bid amount. Bank account details are required for processing payments and refunds. 
Complete the Purchase: 
If your bid is successful, you will need to complete the purchase by paying the remaining amount. The LTA will provide instructions on how to do this. Ensure your payment limit is sufficient for the bid amount, especially if it exceeds S$50,000. 
Register the Number Plate:   
After completing the payment, you can register the number plate to your vehicle. This can be done through the OneMotoring website or at an LTA-authorised inspection centre.

How do I Retain My Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)?

Love your number plate too much to let it go? Retaining your VRN when changing vehicles is totally doable. Here’s how: 

Apply for Retention:

Submit a retention application through the OneMotoring website. Ensure you have a valid SingPass or CorpPass to log in. 

Pay the retention fee online during the application process. 
Receive Retention Approval: 

Once your application is approved, you will receive a retention approval notice from the LTA. This notice will contain details of your retained VRN. 
Assign Retained VRN to New Vehicle: 

When registering a new vehicle, provide the retention approval notice to the LTA. You can do this online or at an LTA-authorised inspection centre. 

The retained VRN will be assigned to your new vehicle, and you will receive new number plates with the retained VRN. 

A motor dealer can facilitate the retention and reassignment of VRNs, ensuring a smooth transition. 
Ensure Compliance: 

Make sure the new number plates adhere to the LTA’s size, font, and material guidelines. Securely fasten them to your new vehicle as per the display rules.

How Much Does it Cost to Bid for a Car Plate or Retain a Number Plate?

Understanding the financial aspects of bidding for and retaining number plates is key to making a smooth plan. Here are some estimated costs to help you out: 

Bidding for a New Car Plate 

Minimum Bid: SGD 1,000 (starting price, can go much higher) 
Deposit: SGD 200 - SGD 300
Final Bid Amount: SGD 1,000 to SGD 10,000+ (depending on demand) 
Refunds for unsuccessful bids will be processed based on the payment method used. If you opt to receive your refund by mail, you must provide your mailing address.

Retaining a VRN 

Retention Fee: SGD 1,300
Assignment Fee: SGD 100 - SGD 300

Example VRN Bidding Scenarios

Bidding for a Popular Number Plate  

You bid SGD 2,000 for a number plate with a lucky number.  
Deposit: SGD 300  
Final Payment: SGD 1,700 (after deposit)

Retaining and Assigning a VRN     

You decide to retain your current number plate for future use.  
Retention Fee: SGD 1,300  
Assignment Fee: SGD 200

Car Plates: Interesting Facts

Lucky Numbers and Letters:  

In Singapore, certain numbers and letters are considered lucky, such as '8' (which sounds like prosperity in Chinese) and '88' (double prosperity). This has led to high demand for plates with these combinations, often fetching higher prices.  
Auction of Special Plates:  

The LTA occasionally holds auctions for special or unique number plates. These auctions are popular, with participants bidding significant amounts for plates with desirable combinations.  
Historical Plates:  

Some vintage or classic car enthusiasts seek out historical number plates that were issued many decades ago. These plates can add to the vehicle's value and appeal.

VRN Bidding Frequently Asked Questions 

What happens if I fail to win the bid for a personalised number plate?

If your bid is unsuccessful, you will receive a refund of your deposit, and you can participate in the next bidding round. The bid envelope will be returned to you if the bid is unsuccessful. 

Can I transfer my personalised number plate to another vehicle?

Yes, you can transfer your personalised number plate to another vehicle you own by paying the applicable transfer fees.

What should I do if my number plate gets damaged?

If your number plate is damaged, you should replace it immediately to comply with LTA regulations. Contact an authorised number plate supplier to get a replacement.

How can I check the availability of a specific number plate?

You can check the availability of a specific number plate on the LTA's official website or through their customer service.

Are there any restrictions on the characters I can choose for my personalised number plate?

Yes, certain characters and combinations that are deemed offensive or inappropriate may be restricted by the LTA.

How long can I keep my VRN?

Once your application to retain your VRN is approved, you have 12 months to use it before it expires. If you need more time, you can apply online to extend its validity before it expires. Each extension is for 6 months and costs $1,000 plus an administrative fee of $42.51.  

What's the best car plate number in Singapore?

In Singapore, the number '8' is often seen as the luckiest number for car plates. That's because in Mandarin, it sounds like 'fa,' which is associated with prosperity and wealth.    

Conclusion

So, whether you’re looking to add a personal touch to your vehicle or simply stay informed, Budget Direct Insurance has got you covered.  

For the latest updates and detailed information, always refer to the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) official website or contact them directly. Safe driving and happy bidding! 

Citations

https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg/content/onemotoring/home/buying/vehicle-types-and-registrations/car/standard_registration.html

Complete Guide to Car Plate VRN Bidding in Singapore