What is a Vehicle Parking Certificate (VPC) in Singapore?
What is a Vehicle Parking Certificate (VPC) in Singapore?
In Singapore, a Vehicle Parking Certificate (VPC) is a legally required document for the registration, renewal, or transfer of heavy vehicles. It proves that the vehicle has a designated, licensed parking space, typically located in a commercial or industrial zone. The VPC system ensures that large vehicles do not park overnight along residential roads or public areas, helping to maintain public safety, reduce traffic obstructions, and promote responsible fleet operations.
The Vehicle Parking Certificate scheme was introduced in 1995 by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to manage the growing number of heavy vehicles and to eliminate illegal overnight parking. Over the years, this scheme has become a foundational requirement for heavy vehicle ownership in Singapore.
Who Needs a VPC?
According to LTA regulations, a VPC is mandatory for owners of the following types of vehicles:
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) – Vehicles with a maximum laden weight (MLW) exceeding 5,000 kg
Buses – With seating capacity exceeding 15 passengers
Trailers – Including container trailers, low-loaders, and flatbed trailers, with MLW above 5,000 kg
Prime Movers – Generally classified as Very Heavy Goods Vehicles (VHGVs)
Mobile Cranes and Recovery Vehicles – With unladen weight exceeding 2,500 kg
Light goods vehicles (LGVs) and standard passenger vehicles are typically exempt from the VPC requirement unless modified or used in specific industrial applications.
Why is the VPC Scheme Important?
Before the VPC scheme, it was common for heavy vehicle drivers to bring their vehicles home and park them along public streets or residential estates overnight. This practice led to traffic congestion, safety hazards, and even accidents, particularly when trucks were parked along expressway shoulders or narrow estate roads.
The VPC scheme was introduced to:
Prevent illegal overnight parking of heavy vehicles in residential zones
Ensure heavy vehicles are parked in approved areas with proper land-use zoning
Reduce the risk of accidents and complaints from residents
Support Singapore’s long-term urban planning and efficient use of land
It is an offence for a heavy vehicle to be parked outside its designated VPC-approved lot between 12am and 6am, and offenders can be fined or prosecuted.
How Does the VPC System Work?
To register or renew a VPC, a vehicle owner must:
Secure a season parking lot from a licensed public or private heavy vehicle parking operator
Submit vehicle details, including registration number, parking location, and intended VPC duration (6 or 12 months)
Pay the certificate fee
Wait for the VPC to be processed, typically within 1 business day
The VPC is then digitally lodged with LTA’s system and reflected in the vehicle’s record. Without a valid VPC, road tax renewal or vehicle registration will be rejected.
Public vs Private VPC Parking
Singapore’s land constraints mean that public heavy vehicle parking lots are limited. According to estimates:
Public VPC lots (HDB and URA): Fewer than 10,000 available lots
Private VPC lots: Estimated 25,000+ lots, forming the majority of supply
Because of this disparity, most new heavy vehicle owners must rely on private operators to obtain VPCs. Public lots are usually booked years in advance and are rarely released. Those who already hold them can renew repeatedly without relinquishing their spots.
The Cost of Not Having a VPC
Not holding a valid VPC can have serious consequences:
Road tax renewal will be denied
New vehicle registrations cannot be processed
Transfer of ownership will be blocked
Hefty fines or impoundment for illegal overnight parking
Beyond compliance, not having a VPC means your business or vehicle operations could face costly delays.
Why Private VPCs Are Essential
With public parking lots mostly unavailable to new applicants, private VPCs are now the de facto solution for most fleet owners, hauliers, and logistics companies. However, unlike public lots with fixed pricing, private VPC costs vary depending on:
Vehicle type (prime mover, trailer, crane, etc.)
Parking location (Tuas, Woodlands, Changi, etc.)
Duration (6-month or 12-month VPC)
Lot availability and demand
Because of these factors, most private VPC providers do not list flat prices and instead require you to enquire for a quote.
How Ah Keng Motor Helps
At Ah Keng Motor, we’ve worked with thousands of fleet operators, lorry owners, and logistics companies to secure VPCs across Singapore. Whether it’s a single trailer or an entire fleet of prime movers, we understand the urgency and complexity behind VPC requirements.
Our team doesn't just process paperwork — we guide clients through LTA rules, help them match to the best-fit parking locations, and ensure full compliance for road tax renewals or new vehicle registrations.
No guesswork. No long queues. Just fast, dependable support from a partner who knows this space inside out.
We work with licensed operators across Singapore to help:
Match you to a nearby available heavy vehicle parking lot
Issue a valid VPC within 1 working day
Ensure compliance with LTA for road tax, registration, and renewals
We’ve helped over 5,000 vehicle owners and fleet managers stay road-ready.
What You Need to Apply for a VPC
To begin the process, prepare:
Vehicle registration number
Vehicle type
Preferred parking area (e.g. Tuas, Woodlands, East)
Road tax expiry date
Desired VPC duration (6 or 12 months)
You can submit your enquiry via our WhatsApp link and our team will reply with a tailored recommendation and quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this VPC accepted by LTA?
Yes. All our VPCs are issued through LTA-licensed parking operators and are valid for road tax and ownership transactions.
Q: How long is a VPC valid for?
Typically 6 or 12 months. It must match your road tax period.
Q: What happens if I change vehicle or parking lot?
You must apply for a new VPC. It is non-transferable.
Q: Can one parking lot be used for multiple vehicles?
No. Each VPC is tied to a unique vehicle and location. Each trailer also requires its own VPC.
Q: What is the turnaround time?
Usually within 1 working day once your lot and documents are confirmed.
Q: Can I apply entirely online?
Yes. You can enquire and complete the process remotely via WhatsApp or our website. We'll guide you every step of the way.
Get Started
Whether you're registering a new vehicle, renewing road tax, or expanding your fleet, Ah Keng Motor helps you secure the right parking solution with full compliance.
📲 Click here to enquire now or visit our VPC Application Page for more details.
Updated June 2025 | Source: LTA, URA, Industry Operators
