Navigating our city is usually a breeze, but there’s one thing every driver tries to avoid — Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), our electronic toll system for managing traffic. While it discourages traffic congestion, there are costs involved. In this guide, we’ll take you through the current ERP rate changes and how to minimise toll charges you pay.
Latest ERP rate changes (Updated on 6 November 2026)
What you can do to avoid ERP costs
ERP rates typically fall between $0.50 and $6 per gantry, with increased pricing during peak hours. Passing through multiple gantries can be costly. Here are some tips to lower or even avoid ERP costs.
01 • Route planning
Technology can significantly simplify your navigation through Singapore’s ERP zones. GPS and navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are able to identify ERP gantries, helping you avoid tolls as well as provide real-time traffic updates. For a more in-depth look at the best GPS and navigation apps, check out our guide on the top driving apps.
The last thing you should do is assume that the fastest route is the most cost-effective. Just set your navigation app to avoid tolls and enjoy the ERP-free ride!
02 • Off-peak travel
Plan your travel wisely, preferably before or after congested peak hours (8am - 9.30am & 5.30pm - 7pm). Rates can go up to $6 depending on gantry and direction, so take some time to plan your commute and you could save some money in the long run!
03 • Carpooling and carsharing
Carpooling is a great way to split ERP costs, reduce traffic congestion, and lower the overall environmental impact of commuting. If you don't own a car, booking a carsharing service like GetGo is a great way to commute comfortably and split ERP costs.
By taking advantage of GetGo's flat daily rate cap, you can divide the rental, mileage, and toll expenses among colleagues who live nearby. This significantly reduces your individual commute expenses.
04 • ERP-free weekends
Instead of driving out on weekdays during peak hours, drive out on Saturdays, Sundays or Public holidays when there’s no ERP! Even though parking gets pricier on weekends, don’t let it deter you from heading out. Check out our guide on free parking in Singapore.
Additionally, if you’re heading to the CBD to run errands or catch up with loved ones, we’ve got a guide on parking in the CBD just for you.
Paying your ERP fees
ERP payment
You can pay your ERP fee using either a backend payment service or a stored-value card inserted into your IU (In-vehicle Unit) or On Board Unit (OBU). Check out our guide to find out where to buy stored value cards such as the NETS CashCard, NETS Motoring card, or EZ-Link card.
ERP rates are reviewed every quarter and adjusted during June and December school holidays (according to traffic conditions then). So stay updated on the latest rates by checking back on this article, which is updated periodically. With proper planning, you can navigate the city smoothly while keeping your finances in check.
ERP violation
The last thing you want to do is skip out on paying ERP, as you’ll be charged with a violation. This entails paying the fine plus an additional administrative fee of $10. However, if you pay this missed ERP charge within the grace period of 5 days, you will not be required to pay this admin fee of $10. So do check your SMS inbox from LTA regularly to avoid paying $10 (one meal’s worth in this economy 😢).
Payment of ERP violations can be done via two ways:
- LTA OneMotoring(onemotoring.lta.gov.sg) under Digital Services (top right next to Login) and the Pay LTA Fines and ERP Charges
- AXS (https://www.axs.com.sg)
ERP 2.0
With the current ERP system in use since 1998, it’s high time for a tech refresh — and the newly introduced ERP 2.0 does just that. Utilising satellite-based technology, road users can expect a more modern and efficient way of managing ERP. For now, the main change motorists will experience is the new On-Board Unit (OBU), which is fitted in place of the existing IU. While ERP charges are still calculated using the existing gantry system for now, the OBU lays the groundwork for future enhancements under ERP 2.0.
The new ERP 2.0 will be fully up and running from Jan 1, 2027. Thus, all Singapore-registered vehicles must be fitted with an OBU by then. After the final reminder LTA issued you from 15th Feb 2026, you would have had 3 months to install it at any authorised workshop for free. Past this 3 month buffer period (a.k.a. now, unfortunately), the OBU installation will set you back $35 for motorcycles and $70 for all other vehicles (my wallet flinched a little).
If you have yet to install it, the OBU offers digital services that go beyond just handling ERP charges. It provides real-time information such as available parking lot numbers, road closures and traffic alerts, and on-screen notifications that help drivers make better route and parking decisions. The OBU also displays ERP charges, payment status, and alerts, and supports multiple payment methods, among other useful features.
For more information regarding ERP 2.0 and the OBU, you can visit here.
(Featured photo: Terence Ong)
Happy commuting!
Amanda
