PDRM Considers Mandatory Court Appearances Instead Of Summons For Red Light Violators
This initiative comes after a series of accidents involving motorists running red lights.
By Celine Low — 20 Nov 2024, 11:12 AM
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is considering stricter penalties for traffic light violations
Instead of issuing compound fines, offenders may soon face mandatory court appearances as part of efforts to curb the rising number of motorists running red lights.
Federal Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri emphasised the need for stronger deterrents. "This is one of our plans moving forward to take sterner action against errant motorists," he told the New Straits Times.
Currently, traffic light violators can be fined between RM300 and RM2,000 or face up to six months' imprisonment under the Road Traffic Rules 1959. However, most offenders typically settle their penalty by paying a compound fine.
The proposed change would require offenders to appear in court, where a judge would determine the appropriate penalty. Yusri said the matter will be discussed with the Transport Ministry to address the legal aspects of the proposal.
Red light violations have been on the rise, with more than 293,000 summonses issued between January and August this year
Data shows that running red lights consistently ranks as the third most common traffic offence in Malaysia, trailing only obstructing traffic and speeding.
In 2022, authorities issued 273,926 summonses for this offence, a figure that jumped to 387,084 in 2023.
