Singapore LTA briefed Malaysian operators on permit errors, towing rules, and delivery restrictions during a dialogue with Johor Trucking Association (JTA).
LTA Clarifies Rules for Malaysian Trucks
The Johor Trucking Association (JTA) has held a discussion with Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) to address recurring compliance issues faced by Malaysian commercial vehicles operating across the Malaysia-Singapore border, as well as concerns over fines, cargo delays, and vehicle detentions.
The dialogue, held on December 9, 2025, focused on regulatory misunderstandings and procedural errors that authorities said continue to affect cross-border logistics operators. The guidance applies to all Malaysia-registered commercial vehicles entering Singapore.
According to the association, the most frequent cause of rejection for Vehicle Entry Permit and Goods Vehicle Permit applications is non-compliant vehicle number plate photographs, rather than system errors. Singapore’s LTA flagged issues, such as handwritten or altered plates, blocked and partially blocked plates, sticker overlays affecting visibility, and poor image quality caused by glare or blurring.
The LTA also reiterated that operators prompted to apply for an Overweight Vehicle Permit during the Goods Vehicle Permit process must submit both applications simultaneously. Vehicles classified as oversized require additional approvals, including permits from Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, on top of standard entry and weight permits.
Another common source of enforcement action stems from towing procedures. LTA said that fines are frequently triggered when towed vehicles fail to insert their Autopass cards, resulting in incomplete entry or exit records that may lead to investigations.
In addition, Singapore’s regulators also reminded operators that Malaysia-registered vehicles are prohibited from conducting domestic deliveries within Singapore. Such vehicles are limited to import deliveries into Singapore and export pickups from the city-state. The LTA warned that even short-distance or customer-requested domestic deliveries are treated as violations and may lead to cargo detention, vehicle seizures, and permit suspension or cancellation.
The regulatory framework, according to the LTA, is intended to ensure fairness, safety, and transparency in cross-border transport, rather than to restrict legitimate business activity. When faced with uncertainty, operators are encouraged to ask for clarification directly from Singapore authorities, instead of making assumptions that could lead to violations.
“Cross-border logistics isn’t just about driving across a bridge. It involves regulations, systems, safety, and accountability. We hope this dialogue helps all operators reduce misunderstandings, avoid penalties, and build a smoother, safer, and more transparent cross-border logistics ecosystem,” the JTA said in its official statement.
