Foreign-registered Motorcycles or Scooters Used in Singapore for Delivery Services

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether foreign-registered motorcycles or scooters are allowed to be used in Singapore for delivery services, carriage of goods within Singapore for hire or reward, or as part of their employment and, if so, how does LTA ensure that such owners or users have valid motor insurance policies allowing such uses in Singapore; and (b) what actions will be taken against those who do not have motor insurance policies allowing such uses.

The Senior Minister of State for Transport (Dr Lam Pin Min) (for the Minister for Transport): Foreign-registered motorcycles and scooters can be used in Singapore for delivery services, provided that the rider has a valid work pass and complies with MOM's work pass regulations and the vehicle is insured against third party bodily injury and death.

Drivers caught by LTA for using a vehicle without valid insurance can be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for up to three months, or both.

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong (Non-Constituency Member): I thank the Senior Minister of State for the answer. I am not sure the gist of my question has been addressed. I am asking about whether or not the foreign-registered motorcycles or scooters are required to have insurance issued for the use of delivery of goods, carriage of goods within Singapore for hire or reward, or as part of the employment.

The rationale for my question is simply this: normally, for passenger vehicles or motorcycles in Singapore, the insurance for these vehicles, there is a caveat that says that you are not allowed to use them for any commercial use. So, when a vehicle is then deployed for commercial use, such as carriage of goods for hire or reward, for delivery services, technically, the insurer can reject liability when a claim is presented as a result of an accident.

So, would the Senior Minister of State address my question in that light? Also, what actions have been taken or will be taken in respect of this possibility, so that in the event of any claim arising out of any accident, the victim or the person who has collided with such a vehicle or is a victim of such accident, will still be able to present a claim against the insurer of such motorcycle or scooter?

Dr Lam Pin Min: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the Member for the supplementary question. The Member is correct. The drivers providing delivery services must ensure that their motor insurance policy provides coverage when the vehicle used for delivery services. This will commonly require the purchase of additional insurance policy coverage, that is, insurance riders, for use of the motorcycle for commercial purposes. Employers are also obliged to ensure that their delivery service employees have the valid insurance coverage.

In addition, to further ensure that motorcyclists have valid motor insurance for delivery services, LTA together with the General Insurance Association of Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Singapore Police Force and Workplace Safety and Health Council will be issuing a joint advisory to the employers of these riders to remind them on the motor insurance requirements and the importance of safety.