Mandatory Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) to be instituted on all new motorcycles commencing from April 2027, due to an escalating number of fatal accidents in Singapore.
In a bid to enhance road safety, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore has announced that all newly registered motorcycles will be required to have an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) starting from April 1, 2027. This makes Singapore the first Asean country to implement such a measure for motorcycles.
According to the LTA, motorcycles fitted with ABS have a 37 per cent lower fatal crash rate than those without, as supported by international studies. This new regulation aims to improve safety for motorcyclists, pillion riders, and other road users.
The announcement was made in a statement by the LTA on Tuesday. The new rule will apply only to newly registered motorcycles, and existing motorcycles without ABS do not need to be retrofitted with ABS. The motor industry has been given an 18-month transition period to clear existing stocks and bring in ABS-equipped models.
As of end-2024, around half of the motorcycle population in Singapore already has ABS. The European Union has required all newly registered motorcycles to be equipped with ABS since January 1, 2016. Other countries like Switzerland have similar regulations aligned with EU standards, but specific national dates may vary slightly.
The new rule does not affect the registration of existing motorcycles without ABS. The LTA did not specify any penalties for non-compliance with the new rule regarding ABS in newly registered motorcycles.
ABS reduces the risk of skidding by controlling brake pressure and maintaining vehicle stability during sudden or hard braking. This can be crucial in preventing accidents, particularly for motorcyclists who are more vulnerable on the roads.
The LTA's move comes amidst a concerning trend in road safety. According to the Traffic Police's 2024 Annual Road Traffic Situation report, fatal accidents involving motorcyclists rose by 20.8 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023. Motorcyclist and pillion rider fatalities increased by 25 per cent in the same period.
The LTA's new regulation is expected to contribute to a safer road environment for all users in Singapore. The authority encourages motorcyclists to familiarise themselves with the new requirement and to prioritise safety on the roads.
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