Bill seeks to raise minimum fines for several traffic offences to RM500

PETALING JAYA: The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026, which aims to strengthen the Act’s regulatory and enforcement powers, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the second reading will be held during the current parliamentary meeting, Bernama reported.

According to the official Parliament portal, the bill provides for an increase in minimum fines from RM300 to RM500 for several offences, among other changes.

These include failing to display a vehicle registration number, driving without a valid driving licence, speeding, violating requirements relating to the construction, equipment and use of vehicles, disregarding traffic instructions and signals, and engaging in illegal street racing.

Clause 13 of the bill proposes heavier penalties for individuals who drive while their driving licence is suspended, with the punishment increased to up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of RM3,000 to RM10,000, compared with the previous penalty of up to a year’s imprisonment or a fine of up to RM5,000.

Clause 15 introduces a new section – Section 42A – which would make racing or speed-testing on public roads an offence punishable by a fine of RM2,000 to RM10,000, up to two years’ jail, or both, for a first conviction.

A second conviction would carry a fine of RM5,000 to RM20,000, at least five years’ imprisonment or both.

Clause 37 seeks to amend Section 120 to increase the maximum compound for compoundable offences from RM300 to RM500. Clause 28 and sub-clauses 28(a) and 28(b) also propose stricter penalties for making false statements, with fines of up to RM200,000 or 10 years’ imprisonment.

Clause 22 proposes the transfer of Section 66 of Act 333 to empower the minister to prescribe fees relating to the issuance of entry permits for foreign motor vehicles.

The bill also grants broader powers to police officers and road transport officers to control and redirect traffic.

The amendment will also establish procedures for the detention and disposal of micromobility vehicles and introduce a new offence of obstructing or assaulting enforcement officers, which will be classified as an arrestable offence.