Understanding Traffic Fines in Malaysia [ Updated 2025 ]
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:
JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan) : This covers offenses related to vehicle registration, road tax, and overall vehicle roadworthiness.
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.
The three types of summonses that will result in being blacklisted by JPJ are:
Automatic Awareness Security System (AwAS) Summons (Summary 53A): Issued for traffic violations detected by automated systems, such as speeding or running red lights.
Investigative Interview Notice (Notice 114): Served to individuals required to attend interviews concerning traffic offenses under investigation.
Stamped Summons Notice/JPJ(P)23 (Notice 115): Formal summonses issued for various traffic violations requiring the offender to appear in court.
According to JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, vehicle owners who fail to settle these specific summonses will face blacklisting, which includes restrictions on renewing driving licenses and road taxes until the outstanding fines are paid. To encourage compliance, JPJ has introduced a special compound offer with a flat rate of RM150 for these offenses, valid until June 30, 2025. After this date, stricter enforcement actions will commence.
What Happens if You Get Blacklisted?
Once blacklisted, you will be unable to renew your driving license and road tax until all outstanding summonses are settled. This measure aims to penalize repeat offenders and enhance road safety. If you find yourself blacklisted, it's essential to promptly clear your record and adopt safer driving habits.
Impact on Those Looking to Sell a Car
Being blacklisted can complicate the process of selling your car. While selling is still possible, legal issues tied to your driving record may pose challenges. It's advisable to resolve any outstanding summonses before proceeding with the sale to ensure a smooth transaction.
Insurance Considerations
When selling your car, ensure that the insurance policy is properly transferred. The new owner will need to arrange their own insurance, and failing to transfer ownership correctly can lead to legal complications, especially if the vehicle is involved in a traffic incident after the sale.
By staying informed about these regulations and promptly addressing any summonses, you can avoid blacklisting and its associated consequences.
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
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