Unlicensed Drivers Caught Driving Face Harsher Penalties
According to The Sun and News Straights Times Online, drivers who are caught driving without a license will be immediately taken to court to face charges. The new ruling came into effect sometime in April. It is meant to curb the number of soaring accident statistics and educate drivers. Previously, offenders could be let off the hook by paying a compound fine.
Under the Road Transport Act, those found guilty of the offence face a fine of up to RM 1,000 or a jail term of up to 1 year or both (Section 26). Vehicle owners will also face a RM 300 fine for allowing such unlicensed drivers to use the vehicle. Additionally, offenders may also face charges under Section 90 for driving without insurance coverage. The penalties for these charges are a fine of up to Rm 2,000 or a jail term of up to 3 months or both.
A driver or rider without a licence has not undergone formal training or tests. They may not know anything about traffic laws, road signs or defensive driving. Hence, they are not just a a danger to other road users but to themselves as well. We intend to send out a strong message that we do not condone the actions of such offenders.
– Federal Traffic Police Chief, SAC Mahamad Akhir Darus
(Quote from The Sun Daily article)
It is the personal opinion of the writer that harsher penalties for unlicensed drivers seems appropriate. All lives on the road are at risk everytime you board a vehicle regardless the lives of pedestrians, drivers or passengers. Safety first!
