All new motorcycles must be fitted with anti-lock braking system from April 1, 2027: LTA
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Citing an international study published in 2020, the Land Transport Authority said motorcycles equipped with an anti-lock braking system have a 37 per cent lower fatal crash rate, compared with those without it.
ST PHOTO: RYAN CHIONG
Follow topic:
- From April 1, 2027, all new motorcycles in Singapore must have anti-lock braking systems to reduce skidding risks.
- Existing motorcycles do not need retrofitting. LTA cites WHO study indicating a 37% lower fatal crash rate for bikes with the system.
- Singapore will be the first Asean nation to mandate this. This follows updated helmet requirements to improve motorcycle safety.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – All newly registered motorcycles in Singapore must be equipped with an anti-lock braking system from April 1, 2027 – a move to improve safety for motorcyclists, pillion riders and other road users, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said.
With the new requirement in place, Singapore will be the first Asean country to mandate the installation of an anti-lock braking system on all new motorcycles, LTA added.
An anti-lock braking system prevents wheels from locking up, enhancing stopping power and control to prevent skidding or sliding.
It helps to control the pressure of brakes and maintain the stability of a motorcycle during sudden or hard braking.
Announcing the new requirement in a statement on Sept 16, LTA said existing motorcycles without an anti-lock braking system will not need to be retrofitted with this system.
Around half of the 147,883 motorcycles in Singapore were already equipped with an anti-lock braking system as at the end of 2024.
The Straits Times reported in July 2024 that LTA had consulted motorcycle retailers on the feasibility
The decision to implement the requirement comes after updates were made to the requirements for motorcycle helmets
LTA added that the industry has a transition period of 18 months to clear its existing stock of motorcycles and bring in models fitted with the anti-lock braking system.
Mr Rex Tan, president of the Singapore Motor Cycle Trade Association, said 18 months is “a reasonable timeframe” for retailers to clear their existing stock of motorcycles that do not have the system and get suitable replacement models.
Citing an international study published by the World Health Organisation in 2020, LTA said motorcycles equipped with such systems have a 37 per cent lower fatal crash rate, compared with those without them.
The Traffic Police’s 2024 annual road traffic situation report showed that fatal accidents involving motorcyclists increased by 20.8 per cent, while motorcyclist and pillion rider deaths rose by 25 per cent, in 2024, compared with the year before.
In August 2023, Bukit Batok MP Murali Pillai, who has since been appointed Senior Minister of State for Transport, called in Parliament for the mandating of safety features such as an anti-lock braking system
It is mandatory for all motorbikes in places such as Europe, Brazil, India, Japan and Australia to be fitted with anti-lock braking systems.
