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The Star MotoringWritten By: Mr. DHARMENDER SINGH
Under the new system for less serious traffic offence,
As told from the press, 'The more you delay, the more you pay'- this is the principle that has been approved by the Cabinet in the restructuring and streamlining of fines issued for traffic offences deemed less serious.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the new structure would be used for all offences under the Road Transport Act, and involve all enforcement agencies, including local authorities. He said under the restructured system that will affect all fines issued from March 1st , traffic offences will be divided into four categories, based on the seriousness of the offences.
1. "Fines for offences under the first category will be maintained at RM300 (with no discounts), even if settled within 60 days as they involve offences contributing to a high accident and fatality rate".
- Offences such as Speeding, Beating traffic lights, Overtaking on double lines, Tailgating, Queue-jumping, Overtaking in the Emergency lanes and using Mobile phones while Driving.
2. However, motorcycles below 250cc would be subjected to lower fines for the three categories, he added.
The second category under the new structure will involve active offences closely linked to negative driving habits and technical offences involving the vehicle that can lead to accidents. Fines under this category will be RM100, RM150 and RM250 for the small-capacity motorcycles and RM150, RM200 and RM300 for all other vehicles if they are paid within the first 15 days, between 16 and 30 days and between 31 and 60 days respectively.
3. The third category will involve passive offences closely linked to technical offences involving the vehicles that can increase the risk of accidents to other motorists or leave the vehicle itself no longer roadworthy. Fines under this category will be RM50, RM100 and RM150 for motorcycles below 250cc and RM100, RM150 and RM250 for all other vehicles if they are paid within the first 15 days, between 16 and 30 days and between 31 and 60 days respectively.
4. The last category involves offences not posing a threat of an accident, like failing to park properly. The fines will be RM40, RM70 and RM120 for motorcycles below 250cc and RM70, RM120 and RM150 for all other vehicles if they are paid within the first 15 days, between 16 and 30 days and between 31 and 60 days respectively.
"The amount will be multiplied if the offences are committed three times or more within a two-month period under the first, second and third categories or any combination of the categories." Kong said, adding that the offences will be filed in court if the fines are not settled within 60-days of being issued.
He also said motorists will not be issued demerit points if they settle outstanding fines within three months. Kong said the new structure was the result of the brainstorming at the National Key Results Area laboratory on traffic offences and had been agreed upon by all the enforcement agencies as well as non-govermental organisations representing the various groups of drivers.
