Driving Without The 3rd Brake Light? You Can Be Fined RM2,000 Or Jailed For 6 Months
The third brake light is red in colour and is located at the top or bottom middle of a car's windshield. In some cases, it's also located on the spoiler of a car.
By Sadho Ram — 19 Dec 2022, 03:23 PM — Updated almost 2 years ago
Authorities have reminded road users to make sure their car's third brake light is functional or face heavy penalties, including jail time
In a public service announcement last night, 18 December, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) stated that the lack of a third brake light is often taken for granted by vehicle owners.
"This irresponsible behaviour poses a danger to road users driving behind, especially at night and in heavy rain," read the announcement that was shared on PDRM's social media pages.
The third brake light is red in colour. It's located at the top or bottom middle of a car's windshield. In some cases, it's also located on the spoiler of a car. The use of the third brake light, which lights up whenever the driver hits the pedal brake, results in a reduction of over 50% in rear-ended accidents.
File photo of a car driving in rain with its third brake light visible.
Image via American Psychological AssociationA non-functioning third brake light falls under vehicle technical errors and increases the risk of an accident to others
As such, drivers caught with faulty or absent third brake lights are subject to Section 119(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for general offences and penalties that carry a fine of up to RM2,000.
If found guilty, such drivers can be jailed for up to six months.
