Blog / Car Insurance
Singapore’s Crazy World of Number Plates
Car plates in Singapore are more than just a way to identify vehicles— they've become the ultimate status symbol. With a growing population of 244,800 resident millionaires, 336 centi-millionaires, and 30 billionaires, the demand for high-end luxury cars and customised car plates, or vanity plates, is on the rise. If you’ve got the cash to flash, you can bid for a number that not only stands out but also speaks volumes about your prestige. These plates, often featuring auspicious digits or unique combinations, can fetch eye-watering prices at auctions. In a city where owning a prestigious brand like Rolls-Royce or Bentley is a symbol of success, a standout Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) is the perfect finishing touch.
Here we peek into the fascinating world of VRNs in Singapore and beyond, where the numbers on your plate can be as luxurious as the car they’re attached to.
Understanding Vehicle Registration Numbers
A vehicle registration number, also known as a car licence plate, is more than just a string of letters and numbers—it’s a crucial identifier for motor vehicles in Singapore. Every car, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle must display a license plate on both the front and rear. This unique vehicle registration number serves multiple purposes, from identifying the vehicle and its owner to enforcing traffic rules and regulations. It allows authorities to track and monitor vehicles, ensuring compliance with parking regulations, tolls, and road pricing. In essence, your car plate number is your vehicle’s ID card, making it an indispensable part of Singapore’s traffic management system.
Car Plate Number Structure
In Singapore, car licence plates follow a strict alphanumeric format, meticulously regulated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The structure consists of a prefix, a series of numbers, and a checksum letter. The prefix indicates the category of the vehicle—“S” for private cars, “G” for goods vehicles, and “P” for buses, among others. This systematic approach ensures that each vehicle type is easily identifiable. The numbers in the middle are unique to each vehicle, while the checksum letter at the end is calculated using a specific algorithm to prevent errors and duplications. This structured format not only aids in vehicle identification but also streamlines the registration process, making it efficient and reliable.
Car Plate Colours and Types
In Singapore, the colour of your car licence plate isn’t just for show—it signifies the vehicle’s specific use. Here’s a quick guide to the rainbow of car plates you’ll see on the roads:
- Private Cars: Black background with white lettering or white background with black lettering.
- Off-Peak Cars: Red plates with white lettering, perfect for those who drive during non-peak hours.
- Research and Development Cars: Yellow and blue plates, split diagonally, for vehicles used in R&D projects.
- Vintage and Classic Cars: Reddish orange top half and a yellow bottom half, a nod to their special status.
- Pulau Ubin Vehicles: Green plates with white lettering, exclusive to this rustic island.
- Restricted Use Vehicles: Green and red plates, split diagonally, indicating limited usage.
- Hazmat Vehicles: Orange plates, signalling they carry dangerous cargo.
These color-coded plates make it easy to identify the vehicle’s purpose at a glance, ensuring that each type of vehicle is used appropriately and safely.
Best Car Plate Numbers in Singapore
Unique number combinations on licence plates hold special meaning across cultures, with some numbers symbolising luck, status, or personal identity.
1. The Magical 8
The number 8 is like the golden ticket in Singapore. Why? Because it sounds like the word "huat," which means "prosper" in Hokkien. Plates like “8888” or “888” are hot property and can cost a small fortune.
2. The Winning 168
If you see a car with “168” on the plate, chances are the owner’s banking on some major good vibes. This combo sounds like “prosperity all the way” in Mandarin, making it a favourite for those who want success to follow them wherever they go.
3. The Power of 1
The number 1 is all about being the best. If you’ve got a plate with a single “1” on it, you’re making it clear that you’re at the top of your game. It’s the perfect embodiment of Singapore’s famous “Kiasu” spirit. For those not in the know, “Kiasu” is a Hokkien term where “kia” means afraid and “su” means to lose. In true Kiasu fashion, owning the number “1” plate shows that you’re not just playing the game—you’re here to win, and you’ll do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the pack!
Owners often transfer these prestigious car plate numbers from an existing vehicle to a new one, ensuring that their status symbol remains intact.
4. The Smooth Operator 66
“66” is another popular pick. In Mandarin, it sounds like “smooth,” as in “smooth sailing.” Plates with double 6s are all about keeping life easy and breezy, which is why they’re in such high demand.
5. The Cool Combos
Beyond the single digits, combos like “2828” (which sounds like “easy to prosper”) or “6868” (which doubles down on smooth success) are big hits. These plates aren’t just about looking good—they’re believed to bring good fortune too.
Car Plate Numbers to Steer Clear Of
Die Die Die Die: 4444
Four ‘4’s in a row—talk about a numerical nightmare! In many cultures, the number 4 is associated with bad luck because it sounds like the word “die” in Mandarin. So, a plate with four 4s might just seem like a series of “die die die die!” Despite its ominous meaning, these plates still attract a few thousand dollars at auctions. Why? Well, the allure of repeating numbers, no matter how unlucky, keeps them in demand.
Four 4s in a row—an ominous and intriguing licence plate! Despite the unlucky 'die die die die' association, this rare plate attracts collectors and high bids at auctions
Vintage Plates Singapore: Car Plates in Singapore
Ever spot a car with a 1 or 2-letter licence plate and wonder, “How much did that cost?” Well, those are vintage plates, the last of which (EZ series) rolled out in 1984.
Take, for instance, the rare single-S licence plate like S 11 T or S 94 D. There are estimated to be just 20 single-S plates in Singapore. One such plate, S 32 H, sold for a jaw-dropping S$335,000 at auction back in 2016, making it Singapore’s most expensive plate ever.
Additionally, special plates like those designated for the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Commissioner, which carry the 'SPF' prefix, are also part of this formal categorization.
So, why the hype? Vintage plates are rare gems. As cars are scrapped and plates retired, the number of these classics dwindles, driving up demand and prices.
But don’t worry if those sky-high numbers aren’t in your budget. With each new series released by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), there’s always a chance to buy a cool number plate. Even older plates that don’t break the bank can be valuable investments for the future.
Remember, every VRN is unique. The shorter the prefix, the pricier it gets. And if you’re lucky enough to have a single-digit plate, you’re sitting on a goldmine!
So, if you’ve got an old family car, hold onto that licence plate—it might just be the next S 32 H.
Vintage and Classic Car Plates in Singapore
In Singapore, the Vintage Vehicle Scheme and the Classic Car Scheme are both special schemes designed to preserve and allow the use of older vehicles. The Vintage Vehicle Scheme is for cars 35 years and older, while the Classic Car Scheme is for cars between 20 and 35 years old. Both vintage and classic cars have the same distinctive registration plates with a reddish orange top half, a yellow bottom half and white characters.
These eye-catching plates make it crystal clear that your car isn’t just any ride; it’s a classic or vintage gem with a special status.
Buying and Selling Car Plates
The market for car plates in Singapore is as dynamic as it is lucrative. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the process can be complex but rewarding. Car plate numbers, especially those with single digits or auspicious combinations, can fetch high prices on online marketplaces. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) oversees this market, ensuring that all transactions comply with strict rules and regulations. If you’re in the market for a unique car plate, be prepared to navigate a competitive landscape and possibly shell out a significant sum. But with the right number, you could be making a valuable investment.
Car Plate Market Trends
The car plate market in Singapore is ever-evolving, influenced by various factors such as economic conditions and regulatory changes. In recent years, there’s been a surge in demand for vintage and classic car plates, as well as those featuring auspicious numbers. The state of the economy can also impact car plate prices—when times are good, people are more willing to splurge on a unique plate. Additionally, the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) policies, such as the phasing out of diesel-only cars and taxis from 2025, can significantly affect market dynamics. Staying informed about these trends can help you make savvy decisions in the car plate market.
The Most Expensive Number Plates from Around the World
This collection of vehicle registration plates showcases the unique designs from around the world, highlighting the fascinating variety in automobile identification across different regions
Singapore’s not the only place where car plates can cost an arm and a leg. Across Asia and around the globe, some plates have gone for jaw-dropping prices:
Dubai’s ‘’P7’’
Dubai shattered world records with a jaw-dropping sale of a car licence plate for a staggering 55 million dirhams (S$19.8 million)! The lucky owner boasts the ultra-exclusive plate number "P 7." At first glance, it might look like just a sleek, simple "7" with a casual "P" hanging out on the side. But don't be fooled—this minimalist marvel is the most expensive licence plate ever sold. It’s a dazzling example of how coveted and glamorous unique car plates have become in the world of luxury!
Hong Kong’s ‘’W’’
A mysterious buyer in Hong Kong made headlines by purchasing the most expensive licence plate ever auctioned there, which carries only the letter "W." This unique plate fetched an astounding HK$26 million, approximately S$4.4 million—5,200 times its reserve price. But why is "W" so significant? In Cantonese, the letter "W" sounds like the word "wai," which, you guessed it, means "wealth" or "prosperity." Meanwhile, the anonymity of the buyer only adds to the intrigue surrounding this record-breaking sale.
UK’s “25 O”
In the UK, the “25 O” plate sold for £518,000 (around S$890,000). This plate now adorns a Ferrari 250 GTO—once owned by musician Eric Clapton and already one of the most expensive cars in the world—adding even more to its elite status.
USA’s ‘’MM’’
California plate ‘MM’ might not have found a new home just yet, but it’s definitely in the running to become the priciest car number plate on the planet. Why? Well, two-character plates are as rare as a unicorn in the US, and one with the same letters is even harder to come by—there are only 35 of them floating around. On top of that, this plate is paired with a non-fungible token (NFT), adding a splash of digital pizzazz to its hefty price tag. With its unique blend of rarity and tech-savvy flair, ‘MM’ is making waves as one of the most coveted and valuable licence plates ever!
Singapore Number Plates FAQs
Q: What are the most expensive car plates in Singapore?
A: The most expensive number plates in Singapore generally feature lucky or auspicious digits such as the number 8 which sounds like the word "huat," meaning "prosper" in Hokkien. Plates with repeated lucky digits like “8888” or “9999” can go for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Q. What is the most expensive car plate ever sold in Singapore?
A: The priciest car plate ever sold in Singapore is 'S 32 H,' which fetched a staggering S$335,000 at auction. This vintage plate is highly coveted for its association with "huat," symbolising prosperity and good fortune.
Q: Can I transfer my car plate to another vehicle in Singapore?
A: Yes, you can transfer your car plate to another vehicle, including an existing vehicle you already own. But it’s not as simple as swapping it over. You’ll need to go through the Land Transport Authority (LTA), and there are specific conditions and fees involved. Make sure your new vehicle meets all the requirements. For more information go to LTA – OneMotoring website .
Q: What makes a vintage car plate valuable?
A: The value of a vintage car plate depends on how rare it is, how old it is, and the history it represents. Plates that have been well-preserved and those with unique or auspicious numbers are particularly valuable.
Q: How do I get a specific car plate number in Singapore?
A: To get a specific number, you’ll need to participate in one of the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) car plate auctions. You can place your bid online but be ready to shell out some serious cash for popular numbers. Click here for more information on car plate bidding.
Q: Are vintage car plates more expensive to maintain?
A: The plates themselves don’t require extra maintenance, but the cars they’re attached to might. Classic cars can be more expensive to keep in good shape, and they’re usually restricted to being driven only on certain days.
Q: What’s the difference between the Vintage Vehicle Scheme and the Classic Car Scheme?
A: In Singapore, the Vintage Vehicle Scheme and the Classic Car Scheme are both special schemes designed to preserve and allow the use of older vehicles, but they cater to different types of vehicles and have distinct regulations. The Vintage Vehicle Scheme is for cars 35 years and older, while the Classic Car Scheme is for cars between 20 and 35 years old. Vintage vehicles are exempt from COE requirements, while classic cars are not. The Vintage Vehicle Scheme is more focused on preserving historical vehicles, while the Classic Car Scheme caters to slightly newer but still classic and rare cars.
Citations
https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg/content/onemotoring/home/buying/vehicle-types-and-registrations/car/vintage-car.html
https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg/content/onemotoring/home/buying/vehicle-types-and-registrations/car/classic-car.html
