COE is not an indirect tax. It is a straight up tax, the government have never hide that fact. COE is used to control the number of cars on the road we all know that. COE is an idiot tax, only the rich and the moronic pays that tax, no one force U to pay COE, U can easily survive in SG without a car. Everything U mentioned, U have a choice NOT to pay them so why are U complaining?
As with most policy, S$ is use to control usage. Hit them where it matter most, in the pocket. As you have mentioned only the rich pays the idiot tax. That is the problem, with S$ you can circumvent whateve policy they might have, I have known of families that have 4 cars, daddy, mommy, brother, sister. Youngest brother, still taking driving lesson. Do you think he will get his set of wheels soon?.
Anyway, there is no complaing here, just asking if COE is a form of indirect tax, I believe it is so. Just a thought here as follows:
Yes, logically that is the assumption. However, think about it, if Taxi also needs COE. Goods Vehicle/Lorry also need COE, the premium paid ultimately will be borne by the people. Same goes for ERP, Petrol Tax, ARF ,etc
This is one form of tax, albeit indirectly.