No, you cannot legally use an Official Purpose Car (OPC), commonly known as a weekend car in Singapore, for driving with Grab or any other ride-hailing platform. The fundamental purpose of an OPC is for private, non-commercial use only. Using it for commercial activities like ride-hailing is a direct violation of Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulations.
The core of the issue lies in the road tax structure. OPC owners enjoy a significant road tax rebate, often over $800 annually, because the car is intended for limited use (it can only be driven without a special daily license between 7 pm and 7 am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). This rebate is a subsidy conditional on the vehicle not being used for profit-making purposes. Engaging in commercial activities like Grab invalidates the terms of this agreement.
The consequences can be severe. If caught, you risk substantial fines from the LTA, and more critically, your vehicle could be confiscated. Furthermore, your insurance would be invalidated in the event of an accident while driving for Grab, leaving you personally liable for all damages. To drive for Grab legally, your car must be under normal registered status, not the OPC scheme.
| Factor | OPC (Weekend Car) | Normal Car for Grab |
|---|
| Road Tax | Significantly discounted (e.g., ~$500/year) | Standard rate (e.g., ~$1,300+/year) |
| Legal Use for Grab | No, strictly prohibited | Yes, upon meeting platform requirements |
| Driving Hours | Restricted without paying for a daily license | Unrestricted |
| Primary Purpose | Private, non-commercial use only | Can be used for commercial ride-hailing |
| Penalty for Misuse | Heavy fines and potential vehicle confiscation | N/A if compliant |
If you are serious about driving for Grab, the only viable path is to convert your OPC to a normal registered car. This involves paying the outstanding road tax difference for the remaining period of your vehicle's life. You must then ensure the car meets Grab's age and model requirements. While this increases your fixed costs, it is the only legal and safe way to generate income from ride-hailing.
