Malaysia enforces RM300 fine for Singapore vehicles without VEP

Malaysia started enforcing a RM300 fine for Singapore-registered vehicles driven into Malaysia without a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). Register your VEP now to avoid trouble when driving into Malaysia.

Singapore drivers crossing into Malaysia, take note: With effect from 1 July 2025, Malaysia is fully enforcing its Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system, with all foreign-registered vehicles without a valid VEP facing an immediate RM300 (approximately S$91) fine on the spot. More critically, offenders will not be allowed to leave the country until the summons is paid or the VEP RFID tag is installed.

The new reality - pay the fine or stay put

The enforcement represents a significant shift for Singapore motorists who regularly travel across the Causeway and Second Link. Malaysia's transport minister Anthony Loke announced that JPJ (Road Transport Department) will issue summonses with RM300 compound fines to foreign-vehicle owners who have not registered or activated their VEP.

What makes this particularly concerning for Singapore drivers is the exit restriction. Unlike typical traffic fines that can be settled later, this penalty must be paid before you can drive home from Malaysia to Singapore.

Understanding the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)

The VEP is Malaysia's digital monitoring system designed to regulate foreign vehicles entering the country. The system uses RFID technology to track vehicle movements and automatically deduct charges for road usage and tolls.

Key features of the VEP system

• RFID tag installation on your vehicle.
• Automatic payment of the RM20 road charge when entering Johor.
• Seamless toll payments on Malaysia's expressways using designated RFID lanes.
• Digital monitoring of foreign vehicle movements.

How much will a VEP summons cost the motorist?

VEP fine: RM300 (approximately SGD $86-$91).

Payment mode: Only cashless payment is accepted at at JPJ offices, JPJ mobile units, or through the MyEG online platform.

Court alternative: Drivers can choose to challenge the summons in court, but if they lose the case, the court could impose fines of up to RM2,000

Timeline and implementation

The VEP requirement isn't entirely new. Malaysia initially announced that the system would be mandatory from 1 October 2024, but enforcement was delayed to give drivers more time to register their vehicles. The 1 July 2025 date marks the beginning of strict enforcement with immediate financial penalties.

Getting your VEP - what you need to do

Before you hit the road heading into Malaysia:

1. Register for the VEP through Malaysia's official VEP portal (vep.jpj.gov.my).
2. Install the required RFID tag on your vehicle.
3. Activate your VEP account with sufficient credit for road charges and tolls.
4. Ensure your vehicle registration and insurance documents are current.

Registration requirements:

• Valid vehicle registration certificate.
• Valid driving licence.
• Passport or official identification documents.
• Vehicle insurance coverage that includes Malaysia.

Impact on Singapore-Malaysia road travel

This VEP enforcement by Malaysia's JPJ significantly affects the estimated thousands of Singapore vehicles that cross into Malaysia daily for work, play, shopping, dining, and visitation. Regular commuters, road warriors, leisure travellers, and business users will all need to ensure compliance to avoid disruption when driving up to Malaysia.

The policy particularly impacts:

• Daily commuters to/from Johor Bahru.
• Weekend shoppers and diners.
• Families visiting relatives in Malaysia.
• Business travellers and logistics companies.
• Tourists exploring Malaysia by car.

Avoiding travel disruption

Pre-travel checklist:

• Verify your VEP registration status.
• Check your RFID tag is properly installed and functional.
• Ensure sufficient credit in your VEP account.
• Keep the accepted payment methods ready for potential issues.

At the land border with Malaysia

• Use designated VEP lanes where available.
• Have your registration documents accessible.
• Be prepared for possible delays during the initial VEP enforcement period.

What happens if you're caught without VEP in Malaysia?

The consequences are immediate and non-negotiable:

1. Instant fine: RM300 compound fine issued on the spot.
2. Exit restriction: Your vehicle cannot leave Malaysia until the fine is paid or the VEP is installed.
3. Cashless payment only: Must pay the fine through JPJ offices, mobile units, or MyEG platform.
4. Court option: Can challenge the summons in court, but risk higher fines of up to RM2,000.

Long-term implications

This VEP enforcement marks Malaysia's commitment to modernising border control and generating revenue from foreign vehicles' usage of local roads and highways. Singapore drivers should view VEP registration as a permanent requirement for Malaysia travel and not a temporary measure.

The system also enables Malaysia to better track foreign vehicle movements, potentially leading to additional regulations or charges in the future.

Recommendations for Singapore drivers

Immediate action required:

• Register for VEP immediately if you haven't already.
• Schedule RFID tag installation at authorised centres.
• Set up automatic top-up for your VEP account to avoid credit shortfalls.
• Inform family members and colleagues who drive to Malaysia.

For regular road travellers:

• Consider the VEP as an essential travel document, like your passport.
• Monitor your VEP account balance regularly.
• Keep JPJ contact information handy in case of technical issues.
• Plan buffer travel time for border crossings during the initial VEP enforcement period.

Bottom line

Malaysia's VEP enforcement, which started on 1 July 2025, represents a new era for Singapore-Malaysia cross-border travel. The message is clear: No valid VEP means facing an immediate RM300 fine and being unable to return to Singapore until the issue is resolved.

Singapore drivers have been given ample notice and the enforcement date is firm. The choice is simple - register for your VEP now, or risk significant disruption and financial penalty during your next Malaysia road trip.

Don't let poor planning turn your Malaysia getaway into an expensive, extended stay. Register for your VEP today and ensure smooth travels across the border.

Read More: [2024 Update] How to apply for Malaysia's Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and RFID tag