ERP Singapore Guide 2026: How Electronic Road Pricing Works for Drivers

Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is Singapore's automated toll system that charges drivers for using congested roads during peak hours. Whether you are a daily commuter, a rental car driver, or a tourist behind the wheel for the first time, understanding how ERP works can save you money and help you plan smarter routes. Here is everything you need to know about ERP in Singapore for 2026, including the latest rates, gantry locations, and tips to reduce your charges.

What Is Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)?

ERP is a congestion pricing system managed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) that charges vehicles a fee when they pass under designated gantry points during operating hours. The system was introduced in 1998 to replace the old Area Licensing Scheme and has been managing Singapore's traffic flow ever since.

The core idea is simple: when roads get too crowded, ERP rates go up to discourage unnecessary trips during peak periods. When traffic flows smoothly, rates come down or disappear entirely. LTA targets optimal speeds of 20-30 km/h on arterial roads and 45-65 km/h on expressways to keep traffic moving.

For rental car drivers, ERP charges are your responsibility. They are deducted automatically when you drive through a gantry, so it pays to understand the system before you hit the road.

How Does ERP Work in Singapore?

Every vehicle in Singapore is fitted with an In-vehicle Unit (IU) mounted on the lower right corner of the windscreen. You insert a stored-value card — either a NETS CashCard or NETS Motoring Card — into the IU. When you drive under an active ERP gantry, the system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to detect your vehicle and deducts the applicable charge from your card automatically.

There is no need to stop or slow down. The entire process happens at normal driving speed, which is why it is called open road tolling.

Key things to know:

• The IU displays the amount deducted each time you pass a gantry
• A red LED flashes and a beep sounds if your card balance is low
• If your card has insufficient funds or is not inserted, you will still be charged — plus an additional $10 administrative fee
• You have two weeks to settle an unpaid ERP charge before it escalates to a $70 fine

If you are renting a car, always check that the IU is working and your CashCard has sufficient balance before driving off. Most rental companies, including FreshCars, will ensure the IU is functional, but keeping your card topped up is on you.

ERP Gantry Locations in Singapore

Singapore has approximately 95 ERP gantry points installed across the island, but not all of them are active. As of early 2026, only about 22 gantries remain operational, all located along expressways where congestion is most severe.

Active Gantry Locations

Here are the key gantries currently charging tolls:

| Expressway | Gantry Location | Direction |

|------------|----------------|-----------|

| CTE | After Braddell Road | Southbound |

| CTE | Before PIE | Northbound |

| KPE | After Defu Flyover (ECP section) | Towards ECP |

| PIE | Kallang Bahru | Westbound |

| PIE | Bendemeer | Westbound |

| AYE | After North Buona Vista Road | Towards Tuas |

| AYE | Alexandra Road area | Towards City |

Good news for CBD drivers: There are currently no active ERP charges in the Central Business District. All CBD gantries have been switched off, so you can drive into and out of the city centre freely.

Gantries No Longer in Use

The majority of Singapore's 95 gantries are inactive. These include most arterial road gantries and the entire CBD network. LTA will begin dismantling unused gantries later in 2026 as part of the transition to the new ERP 2.0 system.

ERP Rates in Singapore 2026

ERP rates vary by location, time of day, and vehicle type. Charges are set in half-hour blocks and reviewed quarterly by LTA. Here are the current rates for cars as of March 2026:

Morning Peak Rates (Cars)

| Gantry | Time | Rate |

|--------|------|------|

| CTE (after Braddell) | 7:30am - 8:00am | $2 |

| CTE (after Braddell) | 8:00am - 8:30am | $4 |

| CTE (after Braddell) | 8:30am - 9:00am | $5 |

| CTE (after Braddell) | 9:00am - 9:30am | $4 |

| CTE (after Braddell) | 9:30am - 9:55am | $2 |

| KPE (after Defu) | 7:00am - 8:00am | $2 |

| KPE (after Defu) | 8:00am - 8:30am | $5 |

| KPE (after Defu) | 8:30am - 9:00am | $6 |

| KPE (after Defu) | 9:00am - 9:30am | $2 |

| PIE (Kallang Bahru/Bendemeer) | 7:30am - 8:00am | $1 |

| PIE (Kallang Bahru/Bendemeer) | 8:00am - 9:00am | $1 |

| PIE (Kallang Bahru/Bendemeer) | 9:00am - 9:30am | $2 |

| AYE (towards city) | 7:30am - 8:30am | $2 |

| AYE (towards city) | 8:30am - 9:30am | $4 |

Evening Peak Rates (Cars)

| Gantry | Time | Rate |

|--------|------|------|

| CTE (northbound, before PIE) | 5:30pm - 6:00pm | $1 |

| CTE (northbound, before PIE) | 6:00pm - 7:00pm | $1 |

| AYE (towards Tuas) | 5:00pm - 5:30pm | $1 |

| AYE (towards Tuas) | 5:30pm - 6:30pm | $2 |

Motorcycle rates are significantly lower, typically $0.25 to $1.75 per gantry pass.

March 2026 Rate Changes

LTA revised ERP rates at four locations effective 23 March 2026, with $1 increases to address traffic congestion:

• AYE (after North Buona Vista Road, towards Tuas): New $1 charge from 5:00pm to 5:30pm
• CTE (northbound, before PIE): New $1 charge from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
• KPE (after Defu Flyover): Increased to $5 from 8:00am to 8:30am
• PIE (Kallang Bahru/Bendemeer): Increased to $1 from 7:30am to 8:30am, $2 from 9:00am to 9:30am

Rates are reviewed quarterly, so always check the [LTA OneMotoring website](https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg) for the latest charges.

ERP Operating Hours and Exemptions

ERP gantries do not charge 24/7. Here is when they operate and when you can drive free:

Operating window: Monday to Saturday, generally 7:00am to 8:00pm (varies by gantry)

Free periods:

• Sundays — no ERP charges at all
• Public holidays — no charges on gazetted public holidays
• Holiday eves — ERP stops at 1:00pm on the eve of New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, and Christmas Day
• School holidays — rates at some gantries are reduced during June and December school holidays
• Off-peak hours — outside the specific charging windows, there is no charge even on weekdays

Planning your [road trips from Singapore](https://freshcars.sg/blog/best-road-trips-from-singapore-weekend-destinations) on a Sunday or public holiday means zero ERP costs along the way.

ERP 2.0: Singapore's New Satellite-Based System

Singapore is preparing to replace the current gantry-based ERP system with ERP 2.0, a satellite-based road pricing system using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. This is a major shift in how road pricing works.

What Changes With ERP 2.0?

• No physical gantries — charges are calculated using satellite positioning, so tolling points can be anywhere without building physical structures
• On-Board Unit (OBU) replaces the current IU — the new device uses GPS to track which pricing zones your vehicle enters
• More flexible pricing — LTA can adjust charged zones and rates more easily without installing new gantry hardware
• Distance-based pricing is possible in the future, though LTA has not confirmed this for launch

Installation Timeline

• As of February 2026, approximately 930,000 vehicles (93% of all registered vehicles) have been fitted with an OBU
• Vehicle owners who have not installed an OBU will receive a final reminder from 15 February 2026 with a three-month window for free installation
• After the free window closes, installation costs $35 for motorcycles and $70 for all other vehicles
• All vehicles must have an OBU installed by 1 January 2027
• LTA is trialling road signs and markings for the gantry-free system on Bayshore Drive

If you are renting a car, your rental vehicle should already have an OBU installed. Check with your rental company to confirm.

How To Minimise ERP Charges When Driving in Singapore

ERP costs can add up, especially if you drive during peak hours daily. Here are practical tips to keep your charges low:

1. Adjust Your Travel Time

The simplest way to avoid ERP charges is to travel outside peak hours. Most gantries start charging between 7:00am and 7:30am. Leaving just 15-30 minutes earlier or later can make a significant difference.

2. Use Alternative Routes

Some routes let you bypass ERP gantries entirely:

• Instead of CTE to AYE: Take the Thomson Road - Lornie Road - Farrer Road - Queensway corridor. It adds about 15 minutes but eliminates ERP costs entirely
• Instead of KPE: Use surface roads through Aljunied and Geylang during moderate traffic

3. Plan Around Free Days

• Drive on Sundays and public holidays for zero ERP
• Take advantage of reduced rates during school holidays in June and December

4. Use Navigation Apps

Google Maps, Waze, and gothere.sg can help you find routes that avoid ERP gantries. Waze in particular lets you set toll avoidance as a preference.

5. Monitor Your Balance

Keep your CashCard or Motoring Card topped up. An insufficient balance costs you $10 extra per gantry pass on top of the original charge. You can top up at any 7-Eleven, petrol station, or AXS machine.

For [budget-conscious renters](https://freshcars.sg/blog/budget-car-rental-tips-singapore), factoring in ERP when planning your daily routes can save you $5-$15 per day during the work week.

ERP Payment Methods

There are several ways to pay for ERP charges in Singapore:

• NETS CashCard — the traditional stored-value card inserted into the IU. Top up at 7-Eleven, petrol stations, or AXS machines
• NETS Motoring Card — a newer option that links to your bank account for automatic top-ups
• EZ Pay — links your credit or debit card to your IU for cashless, auto-deducting payments. No need to worry about topping up
• Autopass Card — available for foreign-registered vehicles entering Singapore

When [renting a car in Singapore](https://freshcars.sg/blog/complete-guide-car-rental-singapore-2026), ask your rental company which payment method is set up in the vehicle. Most rental cars come with a CashCard, but you can swap in your own card if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does ERP cost in Singapore?

ERP charges range from $0.50 to $6.00 per gantry for cars, depending on the location and time of day. Motorcycle rates are lower, from $0.25 to $1.75. The most expensive gantry is on the KPE after Defu Flyover, where peak rates reach $6 between 8:30am and 9:00am.

Is there ERP on Sundays and public holidays in Singapore?

No, there are no ERP charges on Sundays or gazetted public holidays. ERP also stops operating at 1:00pm on the eve of major holidays like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

What happens if I drive through ERP with no CashCard?

You will receive a letter within two weeks requiring you to pay the original ERP charge plus a $10 administrative fee. If you do not pay within the two-week period, you will face an additional $70 fine. It is always cheaper to keep your CashCard topped up.

Do rental cars in Singapore have ERP?

Yes, all rental cars in Singapore are fitted with an In-vehicle Unit (IU) for ERP. The IU is a mandatory requirement for all Singapore-registered vehicles. Most rental companies provide a CashCard with the vehicle, but you are responsible for ensuring it has sufficient balance.

What is ERP 2.0 and when does it start?

ERP 2.0 is Singapore's next-generation road pricing system that uses satellite technology (GNSS) instead of physical gantries. All vehicles must have a new On-Board Unit installed by 1 January 2027. The new system allows more flexible pricing zones without building physical infrastructure.

How can I check current ERP rates?

You can check the latest ERP rates on the [LTA OneMotoring website](https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg) or use navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, which display ERP charges along your route. Rates are reviewed and adjusted quarterly by LTA.

Drive Smarter With the Right Route Planning

Understanding Singapore's ERP system helps you make better driving decisions, whether you are commuting daily or exploring the island on a rental. The key takeaways: travel outside peak hours when you can, use navigation apps to find ERP-free routes, and keep your payment card topped up to avoid penalties. With ERP 2.0 launching in 2027, the system will become even more flexible — but the fundamentals of smart route planning will always save you money. If you need a reliable rental car for getting around Singapore, [browse available cars at freshcars.sg](https://freshcars.sg) and hit the road with confidence.