10 Common Road Offenses On The Streets of Malaysia

Many articles have been written pertaining to the Road Transport Act 1987 (R.T.O.).

So far, this blog has paid emphasis to the more serious violations, like Section 81, which involves “illegal racing” and Section 41, which is driving dangerously and eventually causing death.

However, this article intents to highlight a few sections of the R.T.O. 1987, which are seldom mentioned, but are nonetheless important.

We shall begin this article by explaining to our blog readers that not all traffic violations contravene sections of the Road Transport Act 1987. Not all of the above violations are against sections of the Act.

Some of these violations are embedded in what is known as circular or surat-surat pekeliling, which are issued by the Transport Department from time to time.

Amongst the lesser known traffic violation included:

1) Failure to produce one’s driving license.

Some drivers may not be aware, but failure to produce one’s driving license is deemed as an offense. Under Section 58 (2) of the R.T.O. 1987, a fine of RM150 awaits you. So drivers are advised to bring along your licenses whilst you drive.

2) Theft or stealing of a vehicle.

Removing or taking a vehicle without permission represents an offense. In fact, this action tantamounts to stealing or theft. For this, Section 51 which is a court case offense which carries with it a RM2000 or 6 months imprisonment or both to the offender.

3) Failure to report to the police an accident within 24 hours.

Many motorists are unaware that they have to make a report to a police station if they are involved in an accident. Section 52 (1) requires a driver to make a compulsory report about the accident within a span of 24 hours. Failure to do so, be advised, is an offense. The fine is RM100.

4) Not stopping when stopped at a police road block.

Some youngsters especially, fail to stop at police road blocks. Likewise the same happens at road blocks conducted by the J.P.J. as well. Such actions by drivers, contravenes Section 55 of the R.T.O. 1987. You can be fined a tune of RM300.

5) Failure to stop at pedestrian crossing.

Some drivers are not aware that a failure to stop a pedestrian crossing or zebra crossing constitutes an offense. It in fact violates Section 78 (2). Unless you are willing to part with a sum of RM300, refrain from doing such a thing.

6) Beating the traffic light.

It’s a RM200 fine for violating Section 79 (2) of the R.T.O. 1987. You are hereby advised not to resort to such a action.

Most traffic lights, especially in larger towns such as Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru etc. are reputed to be now adopting the Automated Enforcement System (A.E.S.).

The purpose of the above system is to apprehend motorists who are indisciplined. So all drivers, please beware if you have no intention of being caught. The A.E.S. system will be launched soon in Perak and Selangor.

Although illegal racing or merempit motor has been mentioned over and over again in articles written much earlier, I feel it is not a waste of time making a mention of it another time. Violation of the Section 81 of the R.T.O. carries with it a hefty RM2000 fine or a 6 months prison sentence or both.

On top of that, a person who’s involved in such an activity can have his license suspended for a period of 1 year.

8) Not wearing a seat belt while driving.

Not wearing a seat belt happens to be a serious offense. If during a practical test a student undergoes, he or she loses 5 points, thereby failing the test automatically. For you information, you need a minimum of 16 to get through your test.

However, should a motorist be unlucky enough to be apprehended by either police officer or J.P.J. official, under circular K4 MV (SSB) 78 P.U. A 378/78, the offender is liable to be fined a sum of RM100 for the offense.

9) Not using headlights for motorcycles during the day / night.

In Malaysia, it’s compulsory that motorcyclists use their headlights during the day as well as the night. A failure to do this is a RM100 fine under directive of a department circular K.96 (A) MV (C/U).

10) Not wearing a helmet by motorcyclist.

What happens when a motorcyclist does not wear a helmet? What section of the R.T.O. 1987 has he or she contravened?

K4 MS (SH) is the circular which demands that a motorcyclist contravening the above law of the R.T.O. 1987, can be fined a sum of RM100 for this offense.

As 10 important sections of the R.T.O. 1987 has already been highlighted in this article, I feel it is sufficient for blog readers’ perusal for the time being.

As such, a decision has then been made to terminate the article at this juncture, as too lengthy an article will tend to bore some readers.

Rest assured, in a further forth coming article, an attempt to pin-point other sections of the R.T.O. 1987 will be made.

By | 2012-09-21T22:30:54+08:00 May 3rd, 2010|Driving Safety|6 Comments

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6 Comments

  1. afi August 23, 2010 at 3:06 pm - Reply

    what is the section under road transport act on seat belt legislation?

    • Cikgu Yap August 24, 2010 at 3:13 pm - Reply

      Seat belt offense under Circular K.4 MV (SSB) 78 (PUA 378) 78. Under 119 (2) of the Road Transport Ordinance 1987. The court will fine you RM100.

  2. ology August 6, 2011 at 3:54 am - Reply

    Hi, I have been stopped by police for forgetting turn on the headlight at night.. he threaten to fine me $300RM.. is it legal? Fail to turn on the headlight is fined up to $300 RM? Your answer is much appreciated..

    Thanks.

    • Cikgu Yap August 9, 2011 at 11:02 pm - Reply

      Yes, not putting on head lights at night is an offense. My research tells me your can be fined a tune of RM150.

  3. Mike January 12, 2012 at 12:17 pm - Reply

    I encountered a roadblock last night, I slowed down but it did not appear that they were telling me to pull over for checking of anything so then drove off, is it likely that I will be charged under item 4 as stated above?

    Thanks, help is appreciated

    • Cikgu Yap January 14, 2012 at 12:04 pm - Reply

      From the look of things, the road block might have missed noting your car registration. What a while longer, if you don not hear from the authorities, consider yourself lucky. Next time, please stop. Go only when you are asked to do so.

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