Under the proposed Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026, vehicle owners with unpaid traffic fines, unresolved court cases or outstanding road transport offences could soon face restrictions when attempting to enter or leave Malaysia.
The amendments, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, are aimed at strengthening enforcement, improving compliance and closing legal loopholes that have long hampered authorities. Here's what motorists need to know.
Cross-Border travel could be restricted
One of the most significant changes comes under the proposed Section 119C, which would empower authorities to stop both Malaysian and foreign-registered vehicles from crossing the country's borders if they have outstanding fines or unresolved legal cases.
According to Loke, the move is intended to ensure vehicle owners settle all pending traffic summonses, court cases and road transport violations before undertaking cross-border travel.
The amendment is also expected to help combat the use of cloned or stolen vehicles while improving the overall rate of fine settlements.
Illegal racing to become a specific criminal offence
The proposed amendments also introduce Section 42A, which specifically criminalises illegal racing and speed testing on public roads.
Currently, such offences are largely dealt with under dangerous driving provisions. However, the new law would allow authorities to take action even if no accident, injury or fatality occurs.
For first-time offenders, penalties may include:
- Fines ranging from RM2,000 to RM10,000
- Up to two years' imprisonment
- Or both
Repeat offenders could face:
- Fines between RM5,000 and RM20,000
- Up to five years' imprisonment
- Or both
The amendment covers both motorcyclists and motorists who use public roads to race or test vehicle speeds illegally.
Crackdown on 'Tonto' activities
The Bill also proposes tougher action against individuals who interfere with enforcement operations. Under the new Section 110B, those found obstructing, threatening, assaulting or assisting offenders by sharing information about enforcement activities may face:
- Fines ranging from RM10,000 to RM50,000
- Imprisonment of between one and five years
- Or both
The offence would also be categorised as arrestable. Authorities say the provision is necessary to tackle long-standing "tonto" activities that frequently undermine road transport enforcement efforts.
So, will every offence carry a RM500 compound?
Anthony Loke clarified that not all offences would automatically receive a RM500 compound.
He explained that penalties would depend on several factors, including the seriousness of the offence, the duration of non-payment and enforcement policies. He also noted that current practices, where motorists receive lower compound rates for early payment, would continue.
What this means for motorists?
If the amendments are passed, motorists may need to be more proactive in monitoring and settling their outstanding summonses. Beyond higher fines and stricter penalties, those planning cross-border travel could face disruptions if unresolved offences remain attached to their vehicles.
The message from authorities is clear: settle outstanding fines, comply with road regulations and think twice before engaging in illegal racing or activities that obstruct enforcement operations.
Source : Malay Mail / Bernama
Image Credit : Awani
