SG: Operators of unlicensed taxis could be punished

The LTA has made it clear that any unlicensed cabbie using a private vehicle to ferry passengers around in exchange for cash, can be charged for breaking the law. The said laws fall under Section 101(1) of the Road Traffic Act and under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Risks & Compensation) Act. Under the first law, those convicted can either face a fine of up to $3000, and/or a jail term not longer than 6 months. The vehicle used in the act may also be impounded. Under the second law, the guilty will face a fine of up to S$1,000 and/or up to three months' in prison. They will also be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 1 year. LTA’s reminder comes after the recent rise in popularity for third-party taxi booking apps. New basic regulations for said apps will be introduced by the Q2 of 2015 to better safeguard commuters. They have also made it clear that all third-party taxi-booking services will have to comply with local laws, which means only licensed taxis and drivers with valid Taxi Driver’s Vocational Licences can ferry passengers around of monetary reward. Pictures used for illustration purposes only.