Driving in Malaysia requires you to be as attentive and as careful as possible, given the tormenting traffic conditions from the increasing numbers of cars on the road and worsening road conditions. However, many do not realise that it is the smallest negligence or mistakes that often lead to great regret later on. Here we have listed 12 traffic offences that you may not be aware of.
Before we go into these traffic offences, take note that most of the summons have different rates according to how soon you pay them off. The earlier you pay, the less money will you have to fork out.
1) Parking at a bus station or a bus stand
First – 15th Day-RM100
16th– 30th Day- RM200
31st – 60th Day- RM250
If you park at any bus station or bus stand, you will be blocking the buses from picking up or dropping off passengers and this will cost you a good fine. Many Malaysians tend to drop off or pick up their passengers at these spots and it is highly advisable not to do so.
2) Driving slow in the right lane
First – 15th Day-RM150
16th- 30th Day- RM200
31st – 60th Day- RM300
If you think driving at your preferred speed is perfectly fine, you may want to think again. By driving too slow and preventing others from overtaking you because you’re on the right lane, you can be issued a fine as high as RM300 by the authorities. Remember, the right lane is always the fastest lane for drivers to overtake others that are slower, within the speed limit.
3) Failure to take the correct lane when making turns (right or left)
First – 15th Day-RM150
16th- 30th Day- RM200
31st – 60th Day- RM300
Whether you are about to take a left or a right turn, make sure you are in the right lane at least 10 to 15 seconds before making those turns. If you were caught by the authorities, or if you cause a major accident because of this, you will be fined up to RM300. On top of that, you may be charged with the traffic offence of careless driving as well.
4) Selling things to drivers on the road
First – 15th Day-RM150
16th- 30th Day- RM200
31st – 60th Day- RM300
While we may have seen this once in a while especially in the suburban or rural areas, you should take note that it is illegal to sell or buy things on the road while you are driving. Full attention on the road and your vehicle, people!
5) Putting curtains on car windows
First – 15th Day-RM150
16th- 30th Day- RM200
31st – 60th Day- RM250
This may sound like a small act to decorate your car with fancy curtains to block out the sunlight, it is actually a traffic offence to do so. According to the law, you can get fined up to RM300 if you are caught by the authorities.
6) Leaving your car without turning off the engine or forgetting to pull up the hand brake
First – 15th Day-RM100
16th- 30th Day- RM150
31st – 60th Day- RM250
We all know the reasons we should not leave our car running or without pulling up the hand brake. Now, a fine up to RM250 is another good reason to remind you not do so in the near future.
7) When your vehicle does not have a horn
First – 15th Day-RM70
16th- 30th Day- RM120
31st – 60th Day- RM200
Yes, not having a functioning horn on your vehicle is a traffic offence. So make sure you get it fixed if yours is not working properly.
8) Your vehicle does not have wipers
First – 15th Day-RM150
16th- 30th Day- RM200
31st – 60th Day- RM250
Another good reason to keep your vehicle checked from time to time is to ensure each part is working properly including your window wipers which are important to keep your view clear when it is raining heavily.
9) Your vehicle’s horn sounds more than one tone
First – 15th Day-RM50
16th- 30th Day- RM150
31st – 60th Day- RM250
Some of you may not understand this but having more than one tone on your horn may create unnecessary confusion on the road and also sound pollution. Worst of it all, you could get fined up to RM250.
10) Failure to maintain your vehicle in good shape
First – 15th Day-RM100
16th- 30th Day- RM150
31st – 60th Day- RM250
As mentioned, if you fail to ensure each part of your vehicle works properly and if you are caught by the authority, you will face summons up to RM250. This includes your door, windshield, tires, and the rest of your vehicle.
11) Changing your vehicle’s front lights to a colour other than white
First – 15th Day-RM150
16th- 30th Day- RM200
31st – 60th Day- RM300
Changing your front lights to other colors than white will affect other drivers’ vision at night and it may cause an accident. Hence, always make sure to use the legitimate white front lights to avoid hefty and evitable summons from the authorities.
12) Failure to display ‘P’ plate if you are on the Probationary LicenceFirst
First – 15th Day-RM70
16th- 30th Day- RM120
31st – 60th Day- RM200
For newbies on the road, we know you are excited to test your driving skills but do not forget to put the ‘P’ sticker on your car’s windshield so others are aware that you are a new driver on the road. If you ever encounter a traffic police or JPJ officer, you might get fined up to RM200 for not doing so.
If you have been collecting summons from reasons as mentioned above, you should have a valid reason not to repeat the same mistakes. To all drivers, remember not to overlook these mistakes or else it will cause you to pay a fortune.
