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The Traffic Police (TP) plans to allow Class 3 and Class 3A driving licence holders¹ to drive electric light goods vehicles (“eLGVs”)² and electric small buses³ with an unladen weight (“ULW”) not exceeding 3,000kg, an increase from the current ULW threshold of 2,500kg. This change supports Singapore’s commitment to fully transit to clean energy vehicles by 2040. 

Under current regulations (Rule 19(e)(ii) of the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Driving Licences) Rules), Class 3 and Class 3A licence holders may only operate light goods vehicles (LGVs) and small buses with an ULW not exceeding 2,500kg. Those who operate vehicles exceeding this weight must possess a Class 4 or Class 4P driving licence.

TP has assessed that Class 3 and Class 3A licence holders can safely operate eLGVs and electric small buses with an ULW not exceeding 3,000kg, given that they have similar handling characteristics and dimensions as their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts with an ULW not exceeding 2,500kg. eLGVs and electric small buses are typically 400 to 500kg heavier than ICE counterparts due to their battery weight. These batteries are usually positioned beneath the vehicle floor, which creates a lower centre of gravity and enhances vehicle stability. However, the fundamental road-handling characteristics (e.g. steering, turning radius) and dimensions (e.g. wheelbase and length) of such electric vehicles are similar to their ICE counterparts that Class 3 and 3A licence holders are currently permitted to drive.

TP will operationalise this change from 15 December 2025 via an Exemption Order (“EO”) for Class 3 and Class 3A licence holders to operate the following models of eLGVs and electric small buses which have an ULW of between 2,501kg and 3,000kg. These models were identified based on industry requests.

The EO is intended to be an interim measure, while TP works on legislative amendments and system enhancements in 2026 to raise the ULW threshold across the board, following which all eLGVs and electric small buses with an ULW not exceeding 3,000kg can be driven by a Class 3 or Class 3A licence holder.

The ULW threshold will remain at 2,500kg for ICE LGVs and small buses. Operators of such vehicles with an ULW exceeding 2,500kg will continue to require a Class 4 or Class 4P driving licence.

¹ Class 3 and 3A licence holders are currently permitted to drive three categories of vehicles with different ULW thresholds: (a) Motor cars of ULW not exceeding 3,000kg; (b) Motor tractors and other motor vehicles of ULW not exceeding 2,500kg; and (c) Ambulances and medical transport vehicles of ULW not exceeding 3,000kg.

² Electric light goods vehicles are defined as goods vehicles that are propelled wholly by electricity, with a maximum laden weight of 3,500kg.

³ Electric small buses are defined as buses that are propelled wholly by electricity, with a maximum laden weight of 3,500kg.

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