Roads are not playgrounds, so it is only fitting that road users who commit traffic offences be fined. It may be burdensome, but the enforcement is in place for everyone’s safety.
Some road users are unafraid to go over traffic rules despite knowing the risks. The most common traffic offences in Malaysia include running a red light, cutting queues, using a mobile phone while driving, driving on an emergency lane and not wearing a seat belt.
Apart from these major offences, drivers tend to overlook other punishable offences that may seem insignificant but can lead to accidents.
Leaving the vehicle with the engine running
Some drivers may think that leaving their vehicle with the engine running is a non-issue. But the fact is, the action is an offence, and you can be summonsed for RM300 if found guilty.
But is there any risk of leaving your vehicle with the engine running? Yes. Even if your car is parked, two dangerous situations may occur. First, if you do not pull the handbrake fully, your car will be at risk of moving.
Second, if your car is left idle for an extended period, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning as the toxic fumes from the exhaust enter the vehicle. If anyone is left in the car, the poisoning can be fatal. So, please switch off your engine after parking your car.
Rear passengers not wearing seat belts
You would most certainly know that drivers and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts while travelling. But did you know that rear-seat passengers must also wear seat belts?
For your information, the law on wearing rear seat belts came into force on January 1, 2009, through the Motor Vehicles (Safety Seat-Belts) (Amendment) Rules 2008. The penalty for this offence is a fine of up to RM 2,000 or a maximum of a one-year prison sentence or both.
Understand that wearing a seat belt in the front or back seat can reduce the risk of death if you run into an accident.
“According to studies, if the driver and passenger of a vehicle run into a road accident, the risk of death can be reduced by 50% without an airbag and increased to 80% if used with a seat belt,” said Datuk Suret Singh, former Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) to Bernama last year.
As a driver at the helm, remind your front and rear passengers to keep wearing their seat belts on the road for everyone’s safety.
Not placing a child or infant in a child safety seat
If you carry small children in your car, you must place them in a child safety seat or Child Restraint System (CRS).
According to MIROS, starting January 1, 2020, children with a height of 135cm and below must be placed in a CRS according to their height and weight based on the UN Regulation R44 or R129. Based on a report by Sinar Harian on July 1, 2020, the Ministry of Transport continues this regulation based on the safety of children riding in vehicles. The enforcement activities focus on educating, advising and reminding the public about the importance of using child safety seats.
For parents, especially from the B40 group, a child safety seat costing between RM200 to RM600 can be quite burdensome.
Here is good news for those in need. To ensure the use of child safety seats in cars, the government, through Budget 2022, provides a subsidy of 50% or up to RM150 to B40 families for the purchase of child safety seats. A total of RM30 million is provided for this purpose, benefitting 188,000 B40 families.
Broken third brake light
If your third brake light does not work, you risk being summonsed for RM150!
The third brake light is a safety measure and a requirement of traffic laws. Therefore, check the third brake light and other lights before starting your journey.
Wipers not functioning
As the name suggests, wipers wipe off rainwater residue and dirt, thus increasing your visibility while driving.
If your wipers are found to be damaged or broken, you can be summonsed for RM100! Therefore, maintain your car wipers and replace them if worn or damaged.
The car horn isn’t working
Do not misuse this tool. A car horn is not a tool to vent anger when you are caught in a traffic jam. A car horn is used to alert other users about your presence, especially in blind spot areas.
In addition, you also need to press the horn to alert other drivers when they drive recklessly, such as overtaking on the left. You also need to press the horn when approaching pedestrians to let them know that you are on the road.
It is an offence if your car horn is not working, and you can be summonsed for RM70.
Do not overlook traffic offences
We hope the above sharing can provide awareness to road users. If you have ever committed any of the above traffic offences, please do not repeat them.
Besides protecting lives, complying with rules and regulations on the road can save you from getting summonsed. Ensure that your vehicle has the best insurance coverage. If your car insurance is about to expire, you can renew it and your roadtax online in just 5 minutes with Bjak.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison sites, with more than 10 insurance brands to choose from. Get your free insurance quote at Bjak today!
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