Avoiding summonses is one method to save money. To do so, you must be knowledgeable of Malaysian traffic laws. You save money while simultaneously ensuring the safety of all road users. Here are several traffic infractions you may or may not be familiar with.
- Parked with the engine running.
Isn’t this common practise? So we need to do something quick like acquire cash from an ATM, buy a burger on the roadside, or pick up our kids from school. But, let’s not do it too often. You can pollute the air and also kena saman k.
RM250 Compound
- The car’s horn is broken.
It’s vital that your car has a horn. It is often used in Malaysia to express displeasure/anger, but it can also be used to alert pedestrians and other motorists to dangers.
Imagine people reversing without seeing your car, and you can only yell “Stop! Stop! Stop!” since your horn is broken. Confirm the motorist can’t hear you. If you’re found without a horn, a saman will be waiting.
RM70 Compound
- Didn’t use the motorcycle’s daytime lights.
Motorcyclists must not only use their headlights at night, but also during the day. Logic? For drivers to see you. It’s questionable, but it’s the law. If you recall from the motorbike driving instruction, it’s one of the things you need to check before riding.
RM50 Compound
- Left lane overtaking
Admin does it too (oops). Let’s face it, overtaking from the left lane is convenient because everyone else seems to be using the right lane, and it saves time. NOPE. It’s against the law. A signboard already says “Keep left unless when overtaking. Don’t be stubborn about the saman’s cost.
RM300 Compound
- Obstructing the zebra crossing.
We’ve all done it, especially during rush hour or traffic jams. It’s usually inadvertent. But did you realise that impeding the zebra crossing is a traffic infraction? It is. There is an opportunity for pedestrian safety. So let us be more alert.
RM150 Compound
- The wipers are broken.
We often forget or overlook the upkeep of our windshield wipers. Replace your wiper blades every six months to a year or as soon as you notice a change in visibility. So don’t delay since you can also kena saman. It may sound absurd, yet it is so.
RM100 Compound
- A bus or taxi lane.
The bus/taxi lane helps relieve congestion and ensures passengers arrive on time. You can’t drive or ride a bike in a bus lane. Yes, it’s enticing, but don’t complain if you get a summons for being stubborn.
However, there are instances when you can utilise the said lane, just be cautious of the signs. “6 pagi – 8 malam”, for example, “Specifically, Ahad and am”.
RM100 Compound
- It’s broken.
Haaa… We don’t care if the speedometer is broken (admin is one of them). So, how do we know? We’re aglow. This is bad because what if we go too fast? If you are caught speeding or driving with a broken speedometer, you will be fined.
RM100 Compound
- There is no muffler.
Vroom, vroom, vroom vroom. Ennoying? So the exhaust pipe has no muffler. So, what? It’s a gadget that minimises the noise from an internal combustion engine’s exhaust. If you modified your exhaust pipe like this, you may have received a summons.
RM100 Compound
- Driving in slippers.
Walao eh, can this? Why can’t I drive in my robe? Because big slippers can become caught between the clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals, causing a traffic accident. Don’t worry. This only applies to truck drivers or those with a goods license (GDL).
RM150 compound
- No transfer of vehicle ownership.
Have you acquired a used automobile and not registered it? If yes, you have violated Seksyen 14 Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987. In case you didn’t know, ownership must be transferred within 7 days of purchase. Not doing so is a minor offence.
RM100 compound
- Texting while driving.
We all know it’s illegal to talk on a phone while driving. This includes using it while stuck at traffic lights. Did you know JPJ had summoned one of its officers? What a heinous offence! It’s described here.
RM300 Compound
- Drunk driving.
The Malaysian Institute of Traffic Safety Research (MIROS) revealed that roughly 54% of drivers claimed to have been involved in a road accident after dozing off. That’s alarming! So, if you ever feel tired, do yourself a favour and REST! Because this is irresponsible driving and a violation of K.10 RTR Seksyen 119 (2).
RM300 Compound
- Bus stop parking
We’ve definitely done it before – dropping off and picking up friends, family, siblings, or passengers (if you’re an e-hailing driver). Although this is quite typical in Malaysia, we are not allowed to do so since we are blocking the bus (K.12(3)RTR Seksyen 119(2)). If caught, the fine is substantial too. So, beware.
RM200 Compound
- No valid road tax (and insurance)
Many reasons exist for driving without valid road tax and insurance. Some people procrastinate because they are too lazy to confront the long queue, some procrastinate because they do not have enough money to renew their insurance, and some simply believe in luck. If caught, you won’t get a compound. You’ll be summoned to court. The judge will hear your arguments and decide your fate.
So, if you’re one of them, please go renew k or else you risk losing money in an accident. It’s not hard. iLyF allows you to renew your vehicle registration and insurance in minutes.
No Compound (See you in court)
That’s it. “Jadilah pemandu yang berhemah!”