Using handphone on the road among new JPJ offences

The Road Transport Department (RTD) is introducing four new offences under its Kejara demerit system, according to a report in New Straits Times.

Effective January, those caught using handphone or other telecommunication devices while driving; not using front and rear passenger seat belts; failing to wear helmets; and driving on the emergency lane; can be punished.

The NST report, quoting the RTD enforcement director Jaafar Mohamed, also said that illegal racing is no longer an offence. The traffic police are better equipped to take stiffer action as compared to the Kejara.

According to Jaafar, offenders caught under Automatic Enforcement System speed cameras can start paying today (Wednesday) the ‘discounted’ summons rate of RM150.

However, this rate only applied to summonses issued Sept 18 onwards.

The Kejara demerit system has been dormant since its inception in 1984. However, it is planned to be reintroduce together with the government-takeover of the AES.

Offences under the revamped Kejara demerit system:

Under the present system, a motorist who commits different types offences will be penalised by being docked demerit points.

Offences under the revamped Kejara demerit system:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Hit and run
Breaking speeding laws or reckless driving
Felony or misdemeanor offence of purposely failing to give breath, urine and blood specimens as requested by enforcement officers
Failing to obey a red traffic light
Exceeding set speed limits
Offences related to overtaking and cutting queue
Failure to give way to ambulances, fire trucks, police cars or other authorities
Failure to give way to pedestrians in zebra crossings.
Offences related to left-lane driving
Failure to stop at junctions
The use of unroadworthy tyres
Failure to comply with handphone usage rules
Failure to comply with traffic rules and regulations
Usage of bikes on restricted roads
Overtaking in double lanes.
Failure to abide by probationary license regulations (failure to produce probationary licence, failure to display ‘P’ sticker on vehicle, failure to ensure zero alcohol blevel in breathe, blood and urine.
Using handphone or other telecommunication device while driving
Not using a seatbelt for front and rear passengers.
Failing to wear a helmet.
Driving on the emergency lane.