Weekend Car Scheme: Is It Worth It?
The Off-Peak Car (OPC) scheme — sometimes called the weekend car scheme — is one of Singapore's lesser-known vehicle ownership options. It offers significant cost savings in exchange for restrictions on when you can drive. For the right owner, it can be a financially savvy way to enjoy car ownership without the full cost. But the restrictions are meaningful, and the scheme is not for everyone.
How the Off-Peak Car Scheme Works
An Off-Peak Car is registered under the OPC scheme, which provides a road tax rebate in exchange for restrictions on usage during peak hours. OPC vehicles are identified by a red licence plate and may only be driven freely during the following periods:
- Weekdays: after 7:00 PM to before 7:00 AM (next day)
- Saturdays: after 3:00 PM (for some vehicles, all day)
- Sundays and public holidays: all day
To drive during restricted periods, OPC owners must purchase day licences ($20 per day for cars, $4 for motorcycles) through the OPC system.
Financial Benefits
The primary financial advantage is a road tax rebate. OPC cars receive a rebate that reduces the six-monthly road tax by approximately $300-$800 depending on engine capacity. Over 10 years, this saves approximately $6,000-$16,000 in road tax alone.
Additionally, OPC cars were historically eligible for a reduced ARF, though the current status of this benefit should be verified as the scheme has been partially suspended for new registrations. For existing OPC vehicles, the benefits continue.
Who Benefits Most?
- Retirees: If you no longer commute to work, the peak-hour restriction is irrelevant. You can drive freely on weekends and evenings.
- Work-from-home professionals: If you rarely need to drive during weekday peak hours, the OPC restrictions barely affect your lifestyle.
- Supplementary vehicle owners: Some households own two cars — one regular car for commuting and one OPC for weekend family outings. The OPC serves as a cost-effective second vehicle.
- Weekend hobbyists: If your primary use is weekend recreation (golf, fishing, day trips), the OPC fits perfectly.
Cost Comparison: OPC vs Regular Car
| Cost Component (Annual) | Regular Car | OPC Car | OPC + 2 Day Licences/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road tax | $1,200 | $600 | $600 |
| Day licences | $0 | $0 | $480 |
| Insurance | $2,000 | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Fuel (lower for OPC) | $2,400 | $1,400 | $1,600 |
| Annual total | $5,600 | $3,800 | $4,480 |
A pure OPC (no day licences) saves approximately $1,800 per year. With occasional day licence usage (twice per month), the saving is approximately $1,120 per year. Over 10 years, cumulative savings range from $11,200 to $18,000.
Current Scheme Status
It is important to note that the OPC scheme has been partially suspended for new registrations at various points. As of 2026, check the LTA website for the current status of new OPC registrations. Existing OPC vehicles continue to enjoy all scheme benefits regardless of any suspension on new enrollments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I drive during restricted hours without a day licence?Driving an OPC vehicle during restricted hours without a valid day licence is an offence that carries a fine. Enforcement is conducted through electronic monitoring and random checks. The fine is sufficient to negate any cost savings, so compliance is essential.
Can I convert a regular car to OPC?This depends on current policy. In some periods, LTA has allowed conversion of regular vehicles to OPC status. In others, the scheme has been closed to new participants. Check the latest OneMotoring guidelines for current eligibility.
Is the OPC scheme being phased out?There have been periodic discussions about phasing out the OPC scheme as Singapore moves toward distance-based road pricing (ERP 2.0). Under a distance-based system, the time-of-day restriction concept underlying OPC becomes redundant. However, no formal phase-out has been announced, and existing OPC owners are expected to continue enjoying scheme benefits for the duration of their COE.