Driving is second nature to Malaysians, with the first being nasi lemak for breakfast. As such, we know and understand the basic road rules in Malaysia well, like stopping at a red light, indicating when switching lanes or turning, and more.
However, there are many lesser-known and common traffic offences you may have unknowingly committed that could earn you a saman! Going against the Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) road rules may land you in court – or worse, jail.
Traffic offences in Malaysia can be an expensive lesson, so make sure you’re aware of these and more to avoid any future fines and stains on your record.
20 Traffic Offences That Could Earn You A Saman
1. Carrying more than one passenger on a motorcycle
It’s common to see infants or children sandwiched between the motorcyclist and pillion while on a motorcycle. According to Section 39 of the Road Transport Act 1987, a two-wheeled motorcycle can only carry one person in addition to the driver on a proper seat.
2. Not wearing a motorcycle helmet
For motorcyclists and pillion riders, you must wear a motorcycle helmet to protect yourself from danger and losing RM300. Although wearing a helmet may seem troublesome for a quick ride to the nearby mart, anything can happen anytime, so always prioritise your safety.
3. Leaving the engine running while parked
We’ve all done this before while waiting for someone or even while waiting for our food. Unfortunately, doing this can cost you a compound of RM250 – RM300, as the handbrake may not be pulled properly and an idling engine can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Spitting from a moving vehicle
As this unlucky driver found out, spitting out of a car window while driving is a punishable offence under Section 268 of the Penal Code. The crime? Being a public nuisance. While the driver didn’t do the time, they did have to pay a hefty fine of RM400.
5. Overtaking vehicles from the left
If there’s a slow car in the middle lane, the right way to overtake the vehicle is from the right. While overtaking from the left seems like no matter, it can result in summons up to RM2,000 or six months imprisonment.
6. Driving too slow on the right lane
The speed limit is 90km/h, but you’re in the right lane going 80km/h? You can be fined up to RM300. Although you’re abiding by the speed limit, cruising slowly in the fast lane can inconvenience other drivers and cause them to overtake you from the left – which is dangerous and an offence.
7. Obstructing the road
If you leave your car at rest on the road and it is deemed an obstruction, inconvenience, or endangering other road users, you can be fined between RM1,000 – RM5,000. You could also face an imprisonment term of one year, or receive both the compound and time behind bars.
8. Cutting queues
Imagine this: you’ve been waiting patiently and for a long time to turn into a junction when suddenly, a car cuts right in front of you! If you have a dashcam, report the traffic offence to JPJ and delight in the news that the driver will receive an RM150 compound.
9. Driving on the bus or taxi lane
Dedicated bus and taxi lanes are solely for these vehicles to help ease congestion on Malaysian roads. These lanes will also have signs stating their active periods, such as during certain times of the day or only on weekdays. Hence, private vehicles going against this can receive an RM100 fine.
10. Parking at the bus stop and prohibited areas
Not only does this prevent buses from loading and unloading passengers, but it also causes congestion in surrounding areas. Besides the bus stop, parking your car at a road corner or junction, along a fire services pipe, or in dangerous areas is an offence worth RM200.
11. Taxis that refuse to take passengers
It’s late, dark, your phone’s dead, and there’s no other way to find a ride home except for a taxi. In an emergency and if a taxi refuses to take you as a passenger, note down the car plate and driver’s details, as the refusal is a punishable offence up to RM300.
12. Using your mobile phone while on the road
Not only while driving but also while riding your motorcycle! Committing this traffic offence can lead to a compound of up to RM1,000 or three months in prison, which sounds slightly more lenient than the 2020 ruling of going straight to court. However, as long as you use a phone holder or hands-free kit, you’re still safe under Rule 17A of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
13. Having a honk with more than one sound
Especially for vehicles like heavy trailers, trucks, and buses, using more than one honk sound (like a rhythmic honk) is not permitted by law. It can be a nuisance that confuses other motorists, and the maximum punishment is a fine of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for six months.
14. Using headlamps that are too bright
While it’s good to see clearly at night, headlamps with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights that exceed regulated lumens can blind road users and land you in hot water. Using HID lights is punishable under Section 119(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, and offenders can be fined up to RM2,000 or six months of imprisonment.
15. Over-tinting your windows
The sun is everywhere in Malaysia, but that doesn’t mean you can block it out entirely while driving. Private vehicle tints must follow the regulations set by JPJ or face a fine of RM2,000 or a six-month jail term.
16. Wearing slippers or going barefoot while driving
Technically, this traffic offence worth RM150 only applies to commercial vehicles or drivers holding a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) or Goods Delivery Licence (GDL) licence. However, doing this while driving a private vehicle can affect how you operate your pedals, so be safe and wear proper, comfortable shoes.
17. Changing your car colour without informing JPJ
If you want to change the colour of your car, you must inform JPJ and submit the necessary documents. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a fine of RM2,000 or go straight to jail for six months. As this falls under car modifications, having records with JPJ helps prevent cases of car theft or illegal activities.
18. Not completing your vehicle ownership transfer
As part of the process of buying a used car, you must change the ownership of the vehicle from the previous owner’s name to yours. You should complete the transfer within seven days of buying the car or face an RM100 compound.
19. Failing to maintain your vehicle
This ranges from the overall condition of the car to components like the speedometer, tyres, wipers, headlamps, brake lights, brakes, exhaust, and more. Depending on which, the compound is between RM150 – RM300.
20. Car plate irregularities
Accidents can happen and cause you to lose or damage your car plate, but it’s best to replace it as soon as possible or pay a fine of RM100 – RM300. Besides that, you can also be fined if your car plate design does not comply with JPJ’s specifications.
How To Pay Traffic Saman?
To pay PDRM or JPJ summonses and compounds in Malaysia, there are several platforms you can use, such as the online JPJ mySIKAP portal or MyBayar PDRM. Alternatively, you can pay your traffic fines in person at physical JPJ kiosks and offices.
If you do not pay your saman, your name will remain in the system and so will your offence. Worst case scenario, you won’t be able to renew your road tax and driving licence and can’t drive anymore. There may be discounts to pay your saman during festivities and special occasions, so seize the opportunity, but don’t rack up too many offences!
Stick To The Right Side Of The Road Rules
If you’re a Malaysian driver who has never committed a traffic offence or been involved in an accident before, congratulations because you’re a rare breed! Keep up the driving skills and maintain your pristine record.
For the rest of us, it’s a good reminder to practise vigilant driving and obey the rules for the safety of all road users – motorists and pedestrians alike. After all, samans are not hobby collector items like Pokémon cards, so there’s no value in catching all those tickets.