The new year is here and for many, a drive for new resolutions. As Malaysians, we should strive to be better as 2020 was originally slated to be the year for ‘Wawasan 2020’ (Vision 2020). What better way to kick off this year than to be better drivers on the road?
To start, we as adults often neglect to strap ourselves in; even at the back. In fact, the use of the seatbelts for rear passengers has been enforced by the government over a decade ago in the 2008 amendment for the 1987 Land Transport Act and comes with a RM 300 fine. Unknown to many, not wearing the seat belt is also among the most severe in the list of traffic offences that can be broken down into several categories:
- Category 1 – Offences that contribute to high rates of road accidents, traffic jams and taxi-related offences.
- Category 2 – Active offences and closely related offenses related to driver’s bad behaviour and technical errors in vehicles that may contribute to road accidents.
- Category 3 – Passive offences that are closely related to technical errors of the vehicle which may increase the risk of accident to others as well as offences that render the vehicle unsafe.
- Category 4 – Other offences other than Categories 1,2 and 3 (which do not contribute to road accidents).
However, the prices of fines are not only based on the category and severity of the traffic offence. Depending on what you commit, the timing of payment is also a factor. To be better informed and more responsible drivers, the following list of traffic misdemeanours may surprise you.
Traffic offences with discounts of up to 50% if you pay early
Installing “curtains” on your vehicle windows (Category 4 Offence)
We find this one a little strange, but the reason behind this one is due to curtains being a permanent fixture. The law states that curtains are only allowed on busses, caravans and vans used to transport passengers. As an alternative, motorists are encouraged to use sunshades instead.
1 – 15 days = RM 100
16 – 30 days = RM 150
31 – 60 days = RM 250
Parking your vehicle less than 10 feet/ 3 metres from a fire hydrant (Category 3 Offence)
Depending on circumstances, emergency service personnel can move your vehicle without your permission during an emergency if your car is obstructing the hydrant.
1 – 15 days = RM 100
16 – 30 days = RM 150
31 – 60 days = RM 250
Non-functioning third brake light (Category 3 Offence)
Here’s a fun fact. Did you know that the third brake light in vehicles was only mandatory in the United States since 1986 and in Malaysia since 1995? The history of the Centre High Mounted Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light) goes back to 1977, when research into traffic safety found that the use of the third brake light resulted in over 50% reduction of rear-ended accidents. The reason for this is simple – by mounting a third brake light on a higher central position, it provides the driver with a clearer view of several vehicles ahead and a quicker reaction time to braking.
1 – 15 days = RM 150
16 – 30 days = RM 200
31 – 60 days = RM 300
Throwing litter out of your vehicle (Category 2 Offence)
As adults, we need to be more mindful of the environment and to also educate our children on this as well. Nobody likes a litterbug.
1 – 15 days = RM 150
16 – 30 days = RM 200
31 – 60 days = RM 300
Stopping your vehicle at a pedestrian crossing (Category 2 Offence)
As drivers we often neglect the space between junctions and traffic lights. This often leads to the matter above. This comes with the following fines depending on the payment period.
1 – 15 days = RM 150
16 – 30 days = RM 200
31 – 60 days = RM 300
And some serious offences that you shouldn’t be committing
Overtaking from the left (Category 1 Offence)
Both vehicles and motorcycles are frequently seen committing this offence. Often ignored by road users, there’s also a very valid reason as to why overtaking from the left is wrong and dangerous. Due to our right-hand drive, it is harder for drivers to look at the left side of the vehicle than the right. So please be more responsible and stop doing this.
1 – 15 days = RM 300
16 – 30 days = RM 300
31 – 60 days = RM 300
Driving against traffic on a ‘Jalan Sehala’/ One Way Street (Category 1 Offence)
We can’t say more than there’s a high risk of you causing an accident when you’re driving against traffic. You’re going the wrong way buddy.
1 – 15 days = RM 300
16 – 30 days = RM 300
31 – 60 days = RM 300
Falling asleep while driving & using the mobile phone while driving (Category 1 Offence)
While most are guilty of mobile phone use, drowsy driving is worse than drunk driving, and both are among the top contributors to traffic accidents and fatalities. While caffeine and energy drinks are a quick fix to restlessness, the only way to solve tiredness is by having proper sleep. If you are driving a long distance and find yourself dozing off, pull over to the nearest rest stop and get a nap.
1 – 15 days = RM 300
16 – 30 days = RM 300
31 – 60 days = RM 300
Want to know more about the list of traffic offences in Malaysia? Click here to visit the Road Transport Department (JPJ) website to download the list of new compound rates for traffic offences.
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