Top excuses Malaysians use to avoid traffic fines – do they work?

We’ve all been there, driving through Malaysia’s chaotic roads, hoping we don’t get caught by traffic cops. But when you do get stopped, what do you do? Malaysians are masters of creative (and sometimes hilarious) excuses for avoiding traffic fines. But do they actually work? Let’s dive into some of the funniest excuses Malaysians use and explore whether they can save you from the dreaded summons.

1. “I Was Just Trying to Beat the Traffic!”

One of the most common excuses – "I was just trying to beat the traffic, officer!" This excuse might sound reasonable in a traffic jam, but unfortunately, the officer isn’t likely to let you off with a simple rush-hour tale. Trying to get ahead of traffic by breaking the rules won’t help your case.

2. “I Thought This Was a One-Way Street…!”

This one’s a classic. “I thought it was a one-way street!” When you’ve made a wrong turn and ended up driving the wrong way, claiming ignorance won’t get you very far. The officer will most likely just raise an eyebrow and hand over the fine.

3. “My GPS Told Me to Do It!”

Ah, the old “my GPS told me to do it” excuse. If you’ve ever followed your GPS down a questionable route, you’ll know how it feels. While your GPS might guide you down unexpected paths, it won’t protect you from traffic fines. "But the GPS said!" probably won’t hold up in court.

4. “I Was Just Looking for Parking!”

Here’s a cheeky one: "I was just looking for parking!" Parked on a double yellow line or in a restricted zone because you “couldn’t find a spot”? Unfortunately, that’s not going to cut it with the traffic police. There’s no “parking search” excuse that’ll save you from a ticket.

5. “The Car Was Just Too Fast to Control!”

For those with a need for speed, this one might sound familiar: "The car was too fast to control!" Whether you’re blaming a heavy foot or the sheer power of your ride, speed-related excuses rarely work. Traffic officers know better than to accept that.

6. “I Was Just Testing the Car’s Handling!”

This one is pure gold: “I was just testing the car’s handling!” This excuse is typically used when someone gets caught speeding around corners or weaving through traffic. But guess what? Traffic officers aren’t buying it. Unless you're a test driver for Ferrari, this excuse won’t save you.

7. “I Thought I Was on Private Property!”

Now, this one’s a true gem: “I thought I was on private property!” Whether you’ve parked in a restricted area or drove into a restricted zone, claiming you thought it was private property might raise a few chuckles – but not from the cop.

Serious Excuses That Might Work

8. “My Brake Malfunctioned!”

A more serious excuse, but one that might work in a limited situation. If your brake really did malfunction, you may have a case. But it’s not a free pass – you’d better have proof, like a mechanic’s report, to back up your claim.

9. “There Was an Emergency!”

Emergencies are one of the few genuine excuses that might work. Whether it’s a medical emergency or something critical, if you can prove that you were responding to an urgent situation, the officer may take that into consideration.

How to Avoid Traffic Fines in the First Place

While excuses are fun, the best way to avoid fines is to not break the law in the first place. Here’s how:

• Be Proactive: Use the Motorist Malaysia app to stay on top of road rules, speed limits, and parking zones.
• Drive Responsibly: Stay within speed limits, obey traffic signals, and park in legal areas to avoid fines.
• Stay Updated: Get real-time information about traffic jams, and other updates that could prevent a fine.

Download the Motorist App Today

Say goodbye to excuses and hello to smarter driving! With the Motorist app, you can track your vehicle’s performance, avoid traffic fines, and even sell your car if needed. Download the app today and be the driver who never has to explain why they were speeding or parked illegally.

Read More: How to use traffic cameras to avoid traffic jams in Malaysia

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.