Singapore Loosens SIM Rules for Electric Vehicles up to 3 Tons

Singapore's Traffic Police (TP) said the change in rules was part of the country's efforts to support its target of a full switch to clean energy vehicles by 2040. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Singapore began on June 15 to loosen the rules for driving permits (SIM) for electric vehicles. As reported by The Straits Times quoted Monday, June 15, Class 3 and 3A drivers are now allowed to drive electric light commercial vehicles, such as electric vans or small goods carriers, as well as small electric buses with a gross weight of up to 3,000 kilograms.

The limit is up from the previous rule, which was 2,500 kilograms. Empty weight is the weight of the vehicle without cargo and passengers.

Previously, Class 3 and 3A SIM holders could only drive certain models of electric vehicles with a curb weight of between 2,500 kilograms and 3,000 kilograms.

Singapore's Traffic Police (TP) said the change in rules was part of the country's efforts to support its target of a full switch to clean energy vehicles by 2040.

Technically, electric light commercial vehicles and small electric buses generally weigh 400 kilograms to 500 kilograms heavier than gasoline-powered vehicles or hybrid vehicles. The main reason is the battery.

However, the battery of electric vehicles is usually placed under the floor of the vehicle, resulting in a lower center of gravity. This condition makes the vehicle more stable when driving.

According to TP, the characteristics of electric vehicle control, such as steering system, turning radius, wheelbase, and vehicle size, are similar to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that have been allowed to be driven by Class 3 and 3A SIM holders.

Therefore, existing Class 3 and 3A drivers will automatically qualify to drive electric vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3,000 kilograms without having to update or change their driver's licenses.

However, electric vehicles with a curb weight of over 3,000 kilograms still require drivers to have a Class 4 or 4P driver's license because heavier vehicles can have different handling characteristics and require additional driving skills.

Similar rules also apply to gasoline or diesel vehicles with a gross weight of more than 2,500 kilograms. Drivers are required to have a Class 4 or 4P driver's license because the weight distribution and design of the vehicle are different from electric vehicles.

In the same report, The Straits Times said drivers can check whether their vehicles meet the weight limit through vehicle registration cards or data from the Land Transport Authority through the OneMotoring portal. They can also request technical specifications from manufacturers or official dealers, as well as checking vehicle identification plates.

This rule is also accompanied by criminal sanctions. Drivers who operate electric vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3,000 kilograms using only Class 3 or 3A driver's licenses can be sentenced to up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars, or both.

TP stated that it would continue to review the SIM rules to accelerate the use of electric vehicles while maintaining safety standards on the road.