LTA launches custom license plates in a surprise move
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Name your own plates soon for Singapore cars
By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent
ILUVROCK, BOND007 or even LIMTUATOW - these may be some of the special number plates on cars here, perhaps later this year.
Also called personalised or vanity plates, they are a common sight in many countries, including the US, Britain, Australia and Denmark.
They could hit Singapore's streets as soon as this year, sources told The Straits Times.
The Land Transport Authority said it is still working on details and has not decided on the implementation date.
'This came out of the blue and seems to be in line with the loosening of rules here,' an observer said.
In the meantime, said the LTA, it has been working with the motor trade industry and others to make changes to its systems to allow the use of personalised numbers on vehicles.
As in other countries where they are allowed, such plates are likely to cost quite a bit.
In Hongkong, tycoon Albert Yeung paid HK$13 million (S$2.5 million) for a simple '9', which in Cantonese connotes longevity. Other popular plates there include HANDSOME, K1NG and 1 LOVE U.
The Straits Times understands the LTA is studying various pricing options, but a flat fee is more likely than an auction system.
Various agencies such as the Housing Board, the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Association of Hire Purchase are being informed of the plan.
'Apparently, the computer system needs to be upgraded to accommodate the changes,' said a spokesman for the Singapore Vehicle Traders Association.
The new number plate may take up to 12 characters - compared with the maximum eight now.
Motorists and dealers welcome the move.
Mr Glenn Tan, chief executive of Subaru agent MotorImage, said: 'It is a great idea. When I was studying in the States, I had a personalised number, TCH18. TCH are the initials for my Chinese name, Tan Chun Hong.'
Plates with offensive or sensitive messages are unlikely to be allowed. Five years ago, the LTA banned vowels in number plates in what was seen as a pre-emptive move to prevent SEX on Singapore's roads.
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Then I'll make mine D3V1L666
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more money for the coffers.
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hahaha mine will be 'KNNBCCB'
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SEX4U
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they try too hard... too hard.
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i wonder how much will 1 plate cost...
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Ae86
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whosurdaddy
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Surprise move?
Any new money making scheme is never a surprise.
The surprise is if they provide something free of charge.
That's a surprise. -
My numberplate will be 'N4B3I-CHIBY3'..
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everyone can now own the no.1 plates!!
A1 -Z1
AA1-ZZ1
AAA1-ZZZ1
Jenny1
Kiss1
LKY1 perhaps. -
i am so gonna get IB6UB9
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Awesome.Very nice nicknames around.
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I agree it's a money making opportunity... but you guys shouldnt be so sore about the issue... it's a win-win situation.... Those who are willing to pay gets the customized car plate... and when they do so, the LTA gets more funds....
These customised plates can never be offered at a flat rate affordable to all because the whole system will go out of hand when everyone starts changing their car plates... and anyway, it's the same for other countries too --> you have to pay more for customized car plates.... so let me repeat again... it's a win-win situation... the govt is not trying to squeeze you dry of your money.... it's completely volunteery... if you are willing to pay, they are willing to do it for you.... So please dont make anti-govt remarks without doing some thinking... i am not working in the govt sector... neither am i pro-PAP... but i feel that the comments the some of the anti-PAP guys make are really biased and untrue... -
Why would the whole system go out of hand? That's just excuses.Originally posted by freakass:I agree it's a money making opportunity... but you guys shouldnt be so sore about the issue... it's a win-win situation.... Those who are willing to pay gets the customized car plate... and when they do so, the LTA gets more funds....
These customised plates can never be offered at a flat rate affordable to all because the whole system will go out of hand when everyone starts changing their car plates... and anyway, it's the same for other countries too --> you have to pay more for customized car plates.... so let me repeat again... it's a win-win situation... the govt is not trying to squeeze you dry of your money.... it's completely volunteery... if you are willing to pay, they are willing to do it for you.... So please dont make anti-govt remarks without doing some thinking... i am not working in the govt sector... neither am i pro-PAP... but i feel that the comments the some of the anti-PAP guys make are really biased and untrue...
Australia and the United States have a system where custom plates are not artificially placed out of reach through financial penalties. Any reason that says that more chaos, is just another excuse. We should not tolerate lame excuses offered by bureaucrats. -
Ok... so if they release the news that customised car plates are readily available for all and very affordable too.... then every car owner starts to apply for customised plates... then who is going to pay for the upgraded computer system? Who is going to pay for the added administrative workload? And who is going to decide which driver gets the number plate of both of them came up with eactly the same combination?
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MONEY is going to decide..haha..when 2 or more applicants come up and apply for the same combination, whoever's bid is higher gets it..Just to quote a cliche: Money talks!Originally posted by freakass:And who is going to decide which driver gets the number plate of both of them came up with eactly the same combination? -
i want ihatelky07
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5T0L3N
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First come first served, choice of custom naming conventions in the event of clashes will be rotated upon road tax renewal, as per systems abroad.Originally posted by freakass:Ok... so if they release the news that customised car plates are readily available for all and very affordable too.... then every car owner starts to apply for customised plates... then who is going to pay for the upgraded computer system? Who is going to pay for the added administrative workload? And who is going to decide which driver gets the number plate of both of them came up with eactly the same combination?
A normal rego costs $1K therabouts, I'm thinking this would be perhaps $5k-10k. -
GST7
P4P5UCKS -
D13LKY
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TITANIC!
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mine will be. 1AM1337.