LTA has announced a new set of guidelines for inward-facing in-vehicles recording vehicles that will apply to public service vehicles such as taxi, private hire cars and buses. Drivers who wish to install such devices are required to seek LTA’s approval.
The guideline will come into force with effect from 22 June 2018.
Important Guidelines for installation of inward-facing in-vehicle recording devices
Important Guidelines for installation of inward-facing in-vehicle recording devices- IVRDs must be secured in such a manner that prevents any unauthorised access to and downloading of the stored data (e.g. locking the memory card slot, blocking the micro USB port). What it means – drivers should not be able to access the data and download it without authorization.
- IVRDs must be installed in a fixed position and cannot be rotated in order to prevent the capture of compromising visual records of commuters. What it means – The camera must be installed in a fixed position where it cannot take “private and uncompromising” photos of the riders.
3. IVRDs may only record visual records, and must not have any audio recording function so as to ensure that passengers’ conversations are not recorded. What it means – You can record what they do but not what they say.
4. All visual records created by the IVRD must clearly indicate a date and time stamp, as well as vehicle’s licence plate number to facilitate investigations in the event of misuse of the visual records (e.g. watermarking the visual records or digitally embedding the licence plate number). What it means – You probably got to buy a damn good device that allows you to show time and date and the vehicle number on the video.
5. IVRDs must be installed in accordance to the manufacturer’s specifications and in accordance with the further guidelines stated below to ensure that IVRDs are installed safely. What it means – You can only install your device at LTA-authorised installation centre and they will check if the device can fit your car manufacturer’s specification.
6. IVRD footage can only be retained for a maximum of seven days (i.e. must be deleted after 7 days) to reduce the risk of being misused. Drivers and passengers are encouraged to promptly lodge a report of any incident that may require the use of the IVRD footage.
What it means – If something happens, report fast as all recordings must be deleted after 7 days.
7. All vehicles owners who have installed inward-facing in-vehicle recording devices are required to affix a notice to inform riders of the recording device. Booking service operators such as Grab and Comfort Delgro are also required to inform riders that a vehicle with an installed recording device is dispatched to them.
When will the recording be used?
Drivers will have restricted access to the recording and will the recordings will primarily be available to government agencies and LTA-authorised data controllers such as taxi companies for investigations and enforcement purposes. These agencies may use the recording to investigate cases of fare evasion or alleged offences reported against the driver.
Penalties for non-compliance
LTA will impose penalties for offences relating to the unauthorised installation and usage of the records.
- A fine of up to $1000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both. For repeat offenders, the fine is up to $2000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both upon conviction.
2. For Taxi and Private-Hire Drivers – 21 demerit points which may lead to the revocation of their vocational licence.
Data source – LTA
