From June 15th, Class 3 and 3A driving licence holders in Singapore will be permitted to drive all electric light goods vehicles (LGVs) and electric small buses with an unladen weight (ULW) not exceeding 3,000 kg, up from the current limit of 2,500 kg, according to the Traffic Police (TP).

These licence holders are already permitted to operate selected models of electric LGVs and electric small buses with a ULW of between 2,500 kg and 3,000 kg.

"This change supports Singapore's commitment to fully transition to clean-energy vehicles by 2040," TP said in a statement issued on June 14th.

In December 2025, TP stated that Class 3 and 3A licence holders can operate such vehicles with a ULW of up to 3,000 kg because "their handling characteristics and dimensions are similar to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with a ULW not exceeding 2,500 kg".

Current standard petrol and hybrid cars are classified as ICE vehicles. Electric LGVs and small buses are typically between 400 kg and 500 kg heavier than ICE vehicles due to the weight of their batteries. These batteries are generally positioned beneath the vehicle floor, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and different weight distribution characteristics.

TP noted that the on-road characteristics of these electric vehicles (EVs), including steering and turning radius, as well as dimensions such as wheelbase and length, are similar to those of ICE vehicles that Class 3 and 3A licence holders are authorised to drive.

Existing Class 3 and 3A licence holders will automatically qualify to drive electric LGVs and electric small buses with a ULW of up to 3,000 kg. No additional endorsement, update, or modification to their licence will be required.

However, EVs exceeding the new 3,000 kg ULW threshold will still require a Class 4 or 4P licence to operate, as TP stated that such heavier vehicles "may have different handling characteristics that require additional driving competencies".

Similarly, drivers of ICE vehicles with a ULW exceeding 2,500 kg must hold a Class 4 or 4P driving licence, as these vehicles "have different weight distributions and designs" from their electric counterparts.

Drivers can determine whether their EV qualifies under the higher ULW threshold by referring to the vehicle's registration card or Land Transport Authority registration details through the OneMotoring portal.

Alternatively, they may contact the vehicle manufacturer or authorised dealer for the technical specifications, or check the manufacturer's vehicle identification number plate. Individuals convicted of driving electric vehicles weighing more than 3,000 kg with only a Class 3 or 3A licence face a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine of up to SGD 10,000 (US$ 7,810), or both.

"TP will continually review driving licence requirements to facilitate EV adoption while maintaining road safety standards," the Traffic Police said.