Navigating traffic fines in Malaysia

If you're driving in Malaysia, traffic summonses and fines are part of the experience. Perhaps you've found yourself speeding along the highway, focused on the road, when suddenly flashing lights catch your attention. Before you know it, you’re staring at a saman (summons) for speeding or another road offense. However, avoiding traffic fines isn’t as complicated as it might seem. With a few key strategies, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting ticketed.

The first step in avoiding traffic fines is knowing what to look out for. In Malaysia, traffic violations are generally categorized under two main authorities:

1. JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan) :  This covers offenses related to vehicle registration, road tax, and overall vehicle roadworthiness.

2. PDRM (Polis Diraja Malaysia) : This handles broader traffic violations like speeding, running red lights, and reckless driving on highways.

 POL. 257

POL. 257 Summonses: These are issued on the spot for offenses such as ignoring a "NO ENTRY" sign, using your mobile phone while driving, or stopping on a busy highway without a valid reason. 

POL. 170A

POL. 170A Summonses: Issued when you're not present, these can be mailed to you or left on your car. They cover offenses like Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) violations, double parking, or parking without a valid ticket.

You might think you have “good reasons” for bending the rules—like running a red light late at night when the road is empty, or double parking for a quick snack. But those "honest mistakes" can still cost you, with fines reaching up to RM300.

Categories of Offenses

First category offences

These are serious and non-compoundable offenses that pose significant risks to safety. Examples include:

• Using the emergency lane without a legitimate reason
• Driving while using a mobile phone
• Overtaking vehicles on the left side
• Overloading passengers

Imagine returning home after a night out, feeling good, and getting pulled over for drunk driving. This could result in fines of RM300. Under Section 45(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, first-time drunk driving offenses can incur penalties of RM1,000 and up to a three-month jail sentence. A second offense could lead to fines of RM2,000 to RM6,000 and up to one year in prison.

Second category offences

These can still cause accidents but are less severe than the first category. Examples include:

• Running a red light
• Stopping inside a yellow box junction
• Cutting in traffic queues
• Making illegal U-turns

Fines for these offenses depend on how quickly you pay: RM150 if paid within the first 15 days, RM200 between 16-30 days, and RM300 if paid between 31-60 days.

Third category offences

These focus on the condition of your vehicle. If your car isn’t roadworthy—for instance, if it has broken brakes, missing side mirrors, or faulty headlights—you'll face fines. Even small mistakes, like forgetting to turn on your headlights, can lead to being pulled over.

Fines vary here as well: RM100 if paid within 15 days, RM150 between days 16 and 30, and up to RM250 if paid between days 31 and 60.

Fourth category offences 

These are the least severe but still illicit. Examples include not displaying your “P” sticker or driving without a valid license. Fines are RM70 if paid within 15 days, RM120 between days 16 and 30, and RM150 if settled between days 31 and 60.

While not displaying a P sticker doesn't directly impact driving skills, the law requires it for probationary drivers, and neglecting it can still lead to penalties.

 Consequences of Not Paying Fines

Now that you know the details of traffic offenses and fines, you might wonder, “Do I really need to pay this summons? Can I wait and get a discount later?” 

Not exactly. Ignoring fines can lead to escalating penalties. If you think you can brush it off, you're mistaken. The JPJ could send you a court summons, and if you continue to evade it, you might end up blacklisted. This would make it impossible to renew your driving license or road tax at the JPJ office. To resolve the issue, you'd need to appear before a Magistrate to clear your summons from the blacklist, settle your outstanding fines, and renew your documents.

In the worst-case scenario, continually ignoring PDRM summonses could lead to serious legal repercussions.

How the Motorist App Can Help You Avoid Saman

Keeping track of fines, renewals, and safe driving isn’t easy, but the Motorist app is here to make it simpler. With features for real-time traffic updates, fine checks, and reminders for everything from license renewals to Malaysia’s petrol prices, it’s your all-in-one app to avoid being that “bad driver.” Download Motorist today to stay on top of your driving game.

Read More: The Motorist Guide on Top tips to cut your highway toll costs: PLUS, LPT, and More

Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage vehicle related matters.