Last November, a video spotting a luxury-brand car, BMW, went viral online for using a fancy number plate.
As a result, the 32-year-old vehicle owner was fined RM300 by the authority for failing to follow the specifications of a vehicle number plate.
That is what happens if you disobey the regulations set by the authorities.
Not the first case to happen
That was not the first case to happen in Malaysia.
Many vehicle owners are also seen using number plates that are fancy and difficult to read.
A statistic in 2020 reveals that motorcyclists make up the majority group using fancy number plates. A total of 226,142 summonses were issued to them for the offence.
Meanwhile, 118,372 summonses were issued to car owners, followed by drivers who used 4WD (12,632), lorry (5,081), van (3,047), and others (136).
In total, the number of summonses issued from 2019 to December 2020 for the offence alone is 365,410 summonses!
Specifications of vehicle number plates by JPJ
Given the summonses, it is clear that having a fancy number plate is not allowed. But what type of number plate can people choose?
Typically, all motor vehicles use the same format for number plates. All vehicle number plates in Malaysia must use white characters with a black background for the front and rear sides of the car. This applies to private and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, and selected heavy equipment such as cranes mounted on trucks.
However, the format does not apply to taxis and vehicles for vehicle dealers and diplomats.
For your information, there are three types of vehicle number plates allowed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ):
- White letters and numbers affixed or ‘embossed’ on a black frame
- White letters and numbers affixed or ‘embossed’ on a red frame for the embassy, UN and International Natural Rubber Association vehicles
- Black letters and numbers embossed on a white frame for a taxi or rental car.
Hence, you have to use the number plate as prescribed in point number 1 if you are a private car owner.
Below are the examples of permitted number plate measurements:
Summons up to RM3,000 for using fancy number plates
Despite repeated reminders by the JPJ authorities regarding the offence, many vehicle owners in Malaysia still seem to ignore the reminder. Many continue to use fancy number plates as long as legal action is not taken against them.
However, did you know that failing to obey the rule may cause you to be fined not less than RM300 and not more than RM3,000 under Section 14 (4) APJ 1987?
Yes. The amount of summons is costly.
Besides fancy number plates, it is also illegal to use blurry and confusing number plates.
Follow the rules
As a registered vehicle owner, you are advised to obey the rules set by the authorities.
Don’t risk your vehicle for the sake of ‘style’ that may unnecessarily cost you money. Remember to follow the rules and use the standard format for your number plates.
In addition, you also need to make sure your vehicle is used legally on the road by having active insurance and roadtax.
If the expiry date is coming soon, simply visit Bjak to instantly renew both insurance and roadtax. Receive free car insurance quotes online in just 3 minutes today.
