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Driving the car outside Singapore: VEP, Malaysia travels, and more

If you’re planning to drive from Singapore into Malaysia, here’s everything you need to know from choosing the right car to ensuring proper insurance and entry permits.

Lai avatar
Written by Lai
Updated this week

Malaysia travel checklist

1: Choose a Malaysia-enabled car

  • Complete the account verification process on Drive Lah to access booking features. Account verification is a prerequisite for accessing booking features.

  • Use the "Malaysia eligible" filter when browsing.

  • Check individual listings for cross-border approval.

2: Confirm travel to Malaysia with the car owner

  • Even if a listing allows Malaysia travel, message the owner and require the following:

    • Confirm cross-border approval.

    • Get written confirmation of any special conditions.

3: Check for valid and updated COE, VEP, and Insurance

Insurance Coverage:

Coverage applies in Malaysia only if all of the following are met:

  • The car is marked for cross-border use.

  • The trip is authorized by the owner.

  • There is an active booking on the Drive lah Trip page.

VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit):

  • Mandatory from July 1, 2025, for all foreign cars entering Malaysia.

  • Always confirm with the owner that the car has a valid and activated VEP tag.

  • If the VEP is not activated, contact Drive lah Support to assist the host with registration.

Important: Without an activated VEP for the vehicle, Malaysian authorities will impose a RM300 fine at the land checkpoint upon entry.

  • It is generally acceptable to bring the VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit) only without installing the RFID tag when entering Malaysia - if the host prefers not to install it. However, this depends on the entry point and how toll payments will be handled while in Malaysia.

  • If your VEP status shows “Pending for Acknowledgment,” it means you still need to confirm receipt of your RFID tag.

  • According to JPJ regulations, the VEP and RFID tag are issued as a single, complete package, and both are required to complete your VEP registration.

  • While it is the car owner's personal choice whether or not to install the RFID tag, the RFID is not optional under JPJ regulations as the VEP cannot be activated without the RFID.

Where and how it's charged:

  • Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) officers set up checkpoints just past the immigration checkpoint, around 100 meters after entering Malaysia via the Johor–Singapore Causeway or Second Link.

  • The fine is issued on the spot, and payment must be made immediately via cashless methods (JPJ counters, mobile units, or online through MyEG). The vehicle isn’t allowed to enter Malaysia until the RM 300 fee is settled and the VEP is valid.

Learn more or apply: https://vep.jpj.gov.my

Toll & payment requirements:

  • Singapore: Bring a NETS CashCard to exit Singapore via tolls.

  • Malaysia: Bring a topped-up Touch ’n Go (TnG) card for toll payments.

  • These are needed if the RFID-linked e-wallet has insufficient funds.

  • Even if the vehicle has RFID, having a TnG card is a useful backup to avoid delays.

Note: It is generally okay to have a VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit) ONLY without installing the RFID tag when entering Malaysia (if host prefers not to install it), but it depends on where you're entering and how you plan to pay for tolls while in the country.

Key Points:

1. VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit) – Mandatory

  • For foreign-registered vehicles (especially Singapore-registered vehicles), a VEP is required to enter Malaysia.

  • The VEP helps Malaysian authorities track and manage foreign vehicles.

  • You need to register online and usually collect a VEP RFID tag, which links your car to your VEP profile.

2. RFID and Toll Payments

  • RFID (Touch 'n Go RFID) is one of several ways to pay tolls in Malaysia:

    • RFID

    • Touch 'n Go card

    • SmartTAG

  • You don’t need an RFID tag to enter Malaysia, but you must have a valid way to pay tolls on Malaysian highways.

  • If you did not install the RFID tag:

    • You can still pay using a Touch 'n Go card or SmartTAG (if available at the toll plaza).

    • Some lanes are RFID-only, so you must avoid those if you don’t have an RFID tag.

3. Toll charges paid by RFID - next actions

  • Guests must reimburse the host for any tolls charged to the car’s RFID account during the trip.
    If reimbursement isn’t settled upon drop-off, a processing fee may apply if the host escalates the issue to Drive lah.

Important Restrictions

  • Never cross the border without owner’s explicit approval.

    • Doing so violates Drive lah policy and insurance coverage.

  • Insurance only covers:

    • Singapore, West Malaysia, and Thailand (within 80km of the Malaysia border).

    • Also covers direct sea transit routes:

      • Penang ↔ Mainland West Malaysia

      • Changi Point (SG) ↔ Tanjong Belungkor (Johor)

  • Pick-up and drop-off locations are specified in the car’s listing (within Singapore). Please confirm these details with the owner when making your booking.

Penalties

Violation

Consequence

Driving into Malaysia without VEP

RM 300 on-the-spot fine; cannot leave Malaysia until paid & VEP activated

Unauthorized cross-border trip

Policy violation, potential fines & insurance invalidation

For more information on Fines related to Drive lah policy violations, please refer to our Fees & Fines Policy - here

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