Car Scrapped or COE Expired? Don't Forget Your VEP!

End of the Road for Your Car? What About Its VEP?

For most Singaporean car owners, a car's life usually wraps up when it's scrapped or its Certificate of Entitlement (COE) runs out. While Singapore's LTA handles these things smoothly on their end, it's super easy to forget about your Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) status in Malaysia. But here's the thing: ignoring it can lead to unexpected fines, delays, and a whole lot of administrative headaches later on. At MyMechanic, we're all about guiding you through every stage of car ownership, and that includes making sure your VEP is sorted, even when your beloved car is no longer on the road.

So, what do you absolutely need to know about your VEP when your car is scrapped or its COE expires? And how can MyMechanic help you handle this final step of compliance?

The Critical Link: Your Car and Its VEP

VEP: An Active Record in Malaysia

• Your VEP is not merely a one-time permit; it creates an active record of your Singapore-registered vehicle within the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) system. This record tracks your vehicle's entry and exit, and its overall compliance status.
• When your car is scrapped or its COE expires, it is officially deregistered in Singapore. However, this deregistration in Singapore does *not* automatically trigger an update or cancellation of its status in the Malaysian VEP system.

Why Updating Your VEP is Non-Negotiable

• Avoiding Penalties: If your car remains on Malaysia's active VEP registry but is no longer a valid, registered vehicle in Singapore, it creates a discrepancy. This can lead to potential fines or penalties if Malaysian authorities detect the inconsistency, especially if the vehicle's details are later found to be non-compliant.
• Preventing Misuse: Ensuring your VEP is properly updated and deactivated for a deregistered vehicle prevents any potential fraudulent misuse of your vehicle's VEP details or RFID tag.
• Maintaining a Clean Record: It's a fundamental best practice to keep your records accurate and clear with all relevant authorities, both in Singapore and Malaysia. This safeguards your future travel and vehicle-related activities.

Essential Steps When Your Car is Scrapped or COE Expires

1. Complete Singaporean Deregistration Thoroughly

• Ensure that the scrapping process or COE expiry procedures are fully completed with the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA). Obtain and retain all official confirmations and documentation of deregistration. This proof will be essential for updating your VEP status.

2. Proactively Update Your VEP Status with JPJ

• You must proactively inform the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) about your vehicle's deregistration. This typically involves logging into the official VEP portal (VEP.jpj.gov.my) and navigating to the section for updating vehicle status or deregistration.
• You will likely be required to upload the official proof of deregistration from the LTA.

3. Remove and Dispose of the RFID Tag Safely

• Once your car is deregistered in Singapore and its VEP status is updated with JPJ, the physical RFID tag affixed to your vehicle is no longer valid. It is advisable to carefully remove the tag from the vehicle before it is sent for scrapping or disposal. This prevents any potential unauthorized use or confusion.

4. Leverage MyMechanic's Expert Guidance

• Navigating cross-border administrative procedures can be complex. MyMechanic provides detailed, step-by-step guidance on the specific requirements and documentation needed to update your VEP status with JPJ after your car is scrapped or its COE expires.
• Our expertise ensures you complete the process correctly and efficiently, giving you complete peace of mind that your records are clean and compliant.

MyMechanic: Your VEP Partner for the Entire Vehicle Lifecycle

From the exciting moment you first consider driving into Malaysia to the eventual deregistration of your vehicle, MyMechanic is committed to ensuring your continuous VEP compliance. Our comprehensive services cover all aspects of VEP management, helping you navigate the regulations with ease and confidence, even through the final stages of your car's journey.

Don't underestimate the importance of updating your VEP when your car reaches the end of its service life. A few simple, proactive steps can save you from significant future complications and ensure your record remains impeccable with Malaysian authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions