Another 12 motorists caught for illegal ride-hailing services, including 4 near Punggol Rd & Turf Club Ave, all vehicles confiscated

Another 12 motorists were caught in a week for offering illegal ride-hailing services in Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Jul. 29.

This included four who were caught near Punggol Road and Turf Club Avenue.

All their vehicles were impounded.

The illegal services included providing unlicensed point-to-point services and illegal cross-border transport services.

This latest round of operations came more than a week after 10 people were caught doing the same as enforcement efforts have stepped up.

Acting on tip-offs

LTA said on Facebook that it has continued to enforce against vehicles providing illegal private hire services, as a result of its regular patrols and acting on tip-offs from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA).

“Such illegal services not only pose risks, as they may lack proper insurance, but they also undermine the livelihoods of licensed drivers,” LTA said previously.

The latest video said users of such services may face disruptions to their journeys if providers of illegal private hire services get caught during operations.

Illegal services may lack proper insurance coverage to protect passengers in event of accidents or injuries, and drivers may not have the valid driving, as well as vocational licences.

Hundreds of drivers caught over the past 3 years

Since 2022, 116 drivers have been caught providing illegal cross-border passenger transport services using foreign-registered vehicles.

All of their vehicles were impounded.

The penalties for those who have been charged and convicted so far include fines of up to S$2,600 and vehicle forfeiture.

Licence required

A Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL) is required to offer taxi or private-hire car services in Singapore, which also applies to drivers of foreign-registered vehicles that offer cross-border services between Singapore and Malaysia.

LTA and Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency must approve Singapore- and Malaysia-registered taxis that provide cross-border rides.

Malaysia-registered taxis must have the PSVL and an Asean Public Service Vehicle Permit.

Those who want to report illegal ride-hailing services can do so here.

Top photos via Land Transport Authority