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Technical Inspection

Conditions To Import Used Cars

Conditions

Approval from the Land Transport Department must be obtained before importing used cars.

  1. Used cars can only be imported by companies licensed under the Miscellaneous Licenses Act (Cap 127) for trading in the country.
  2. Importation of a used car in a private name is not allowed, except where the applicant is qualified under the General Exemption of Section B, Custom Import Duty Order 1973, or holds a special permit.
  3. A used car imported under a private name cannot have its ownership transferred within a period of 4 years. Ownership transfer must first be approved by the Controller of Customs.
  4. The value of a used car for the purpose of import duty is subject to customs evaluation.
  5. Used cars imported by an authorised company MUST not be more than 3 years of age from the date of first registration and must be right-hand drive.
  6. Used cars imported under a private name for an applicant in paragraph (3) above MUST not be more than 5 years of age from the date of first registration and must be right-hand drive.
  7. Imported used cars must comply with the following specifications:
    • The space for the front and rear registration plate should not be less than 216mm x 343mm or 533mm x 152mm.
    • Front and rear windscreen and side mirrors should be of a clear white type.
    • Light penetration on the glass should be more than 70%.
    • A Safety Glass Certificate should also be enclosed.
    • Headlights should be white, signal lights yellow, and rear brake and side lights red. Spotlights are prohibited.
    • Used cars MUST not be modified or fitted with additional spare parts. Rim and tyre measurements should match the original specifications.

Please note

  • Used cars which do not comply with the above conditions or specifications during technical inspection by the Land Transport Department will not be registered and licensed. The imported used car must be taken out of the country and will not be allowed to re-enter.
  • Qualification of a vehicle is subject to technical inspection at the Land Transport Department.
  • The above conditions are subject to change from time to time without notice.
  • For inquiries, contact the Technical Section of the Land Transport Department at Headquarters Building, telephone 2451979 ext. 510.

Conditions To Import Motor Vehicles and Trailers

The Required Documents

  • Copy of applicant's Smart Identification Card
  • Copy of applicant's Driving Licence
  • Import Application Form
  • Export Certificate (Japan / from country of origin)
  • Cancellation of Registration (Singapore / from country of origin)
  • Registration Certificate (UK)
  • Invoices to prove purchase
  • Vehicle Technical Specification / Data
  • Translation of the Technical Data (either in English or Bahasa Melayu)
  • Glass Certification
  • Pictures of the vehicle

Age Requirement for Imported Vehicles

  • Private Vehicles: Must not be more than 3 years.
  • Commercial / Heavy Vehicles: Must not be more than 5 years.
  • Off Road Vehicles: Must not be more than 8 years.
  • Vehicles imported by Bruneians who work at Brunei Embassies outside the country do not have any age requirement.

Process of Inspection of Import Vehicles

  1. Submit Application Form with relevant documents
  2. Booking for Inspection
  3. Undergo Technical Inspection
  4. Undergo Road Worthiness Inspection at VIC
  5. Obtain Technical Approval Certificate and Registration Card
  6. Register and obtain Vehicle Licence

Act and Regulations

  • Road Traffic Act (Chapter 68) 1984
  • Road Traffic Regulations 1954 Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles
  • Road Traffic Regulations (RTR) 1956
    • Regulation 4 – Length of Vehicle
    • Regulation 5 – Length of Trailer
    • Regulation 7 – Width of Vehicle
    • Regulation 9 – Weight of Vehicle
    • Regulation 18 – Glass / Windscreen of Vehicle
    • Regulation 109 (a) – Front Light of Vehicle
    • Regulation 111 (b) – Rear Light of Vehicle
    • Regulation 158 – Weight of Vehicle and Trailer with Load
    • Regulation 159 – Weight of Vehicle or Trailer with Load
    • Regulation 160 – Weight of Trailer with Load