10 Traffic offences in Malaysia that comes with expensive ‘Saman’ rates.
It can be stressful to drive on Malaysian roads.
Not only do you have to sit through traffic jams, but your temper is tested by other inconsiderate drivers!
You might not even realised it, but have you ever considered that you may have broken some of the road laws before?
Have you ever cut a lane without using your signal?
Are you aware of how much the summon rates are for speeding?
Are you aware of the lives that may be lost just because you can’t wait until you get home to scroll Facebook?
Drivers who don’t abide by the road rules are the main reason for road accidents and fatalities.
The Star reported that on average, two deaths occurred each day due to road accidents in 2024.
Although road accidents decreased by 6.3% the following year, there remains an alarming rate of 548,598 cases.
Here are 10 traffic offences and costly penalties that you might not be aware of:
1. Posting about bad drivers on social media
In the 21st century, it is natural for us to take our phones out every time something mildly interesting happens.
However, you should try to refrain yourself from posting photos or videos of car accidents and reckless drivers online because you will end up with a RM50,000 fine and/or imprisonment not exceeding five years.
2. Car tint doesn’t comply to JPJ’s specification
The law states that the following requirement for minimum visible light transmission (VLT):
70% VLT for front windscreen
50% VLT for front side windows
Failure to meet those requirements will lead to a maximum fine of RM2,000, or a six month jail sentence for first-time offenders, while subsequent offenders will be fined up to RM4,000, or 12 months jail sentence, or both.
3. Running the red light
You’re in a rush because you’re late for work (again!), pressing on the accelerator as the light turns yellow, you hope to drive past the traffic light.
Does this scenario sound too familiar?
Running the red light is the most common traffic offence that caused high rates of deaths in Malaysia.
One of the first few things you learn in driving schools is to slow down when you see a yellow light!
Clearly many Malaysian drivers have forgotten the simplest rule.
To avoid a serious fine of RM300, remember to slow down at the yellow light and stop at the red light.
4. Speeding
One of the main cause of fatal road accidents and lives lost is due to speeding.
Be alert of the maximum speed limit because driving more than 40 km/h beyond the speed limit results in a RM300 fine with no discounts for paying early!
5. Driving on the emergency lane
It is Chinese New Year.
You can’t wait to reach your grandma’s house to eat the cookies you’ve been waiting all year long, but you’re stuck in a heavy traffic jam! It is only then, the emergency lane looks enticing.
Emergency lanes are obviously only for ambulance, police and other authorities to use in a life and death situation.
Unless you have a good reason, prepare to fork out RM300. Your Chinese New Year cookies can wait.
6. Using a mobile phone while driving
You may believe that drinking and driving is the most threatening offence, but texting and driving is six times more likely to be the cause of an accident!
In Kedah, 35% of road accidents are due to using the phone while driving.
These days, it is difficult to be detached from your phone.
There’s always a text to reply, a new instagram story, a new meme...but if you get caught using your phone while driving, prepare to pay RM300!
7. Not wearing seatbelts
Aiyah behind don’t need to wear seatbelt one!
A study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) discovered that only 8.6% of Malaysians wear seat belts at the backseat.
Even though it has been eight years since the government made it legally required to wear a seatbelt while sitting in the rear seats, many passengers forget to!
Seat belts are invented to protect your life in the case of an accident.
The next time you get in the car, remind everyone to buckle their seatbelts or risk getting a RM300 fine.
It only takes two seconds to wear a seat belt that can save your life!
8. Not showing your parking coupon
Getting down your car to quickly take away dinner without displaying your parking coupon?
Instead of paying RM7 for your chicken rice, you might end up paying a ‘saman’ up to RM300.
Be sure to place your parking coupon at a visible area to avoid this serious penalty.
Don’t attempt to trick the enforcement assistant by placing a coupon that hasn’t been scratched or using coupon ahead of time as it is also considered an offence that comes with a serious penalty.
9. Overtaking on the left lane
Did you ever have a mini heart attack from an obnoxious driver who swiftly cuts your lane without warning?
It is common for Malaysian drivers to ‘forget’ to turn on the signal before changing lanes or overtaking on the left lane. However, these habits are dangerous and can leave you with a RM300 fine.
10. Leaving your car with the engine running
Leaving your car for lok-lok? Or taking a quick run to the ATM?
Make sure to turn off the engine! Not only will it save your fuel but also prevent air pollution.
Leaving your engine running can cost you a RM100 fine.
Not only that, it causes carbon monoxide gas to be produced.
If you’re not careful, these deadly gas can prevent the flow of oxygen which may lead to death.
As a Malaysian driver, it is your responsibility to know the traffic offences and realised the lives that are in your hands when you’re on the road!
If you follow these road laws, you don’t have to worry about ending up with an empty wallet.
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