Road Transport Amendment Act 2026 now in force, says ministry
Malaysia’s Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 took effect on Oct 16, 2026, with new offences and tougher enforcement measures. The ministry says the changes cover illegal street racing, “tonto” interference, owner responsibility and digital JPJ services.
PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026, which updates the Road Transport Act 1987, came into force on Friday, Oct 16, 2026, according to the Transport Ministry.
The ministry said the Act contains 42 amendment clauses and is intended to improve road safety, strengthen enforcement and modernise JPJ service delivery.
One key change is Section 42A, which makes racing or speed testing on public roads a specific offence. The ministry said action can now be taken before an accident, injury or death occurs. First-time offenders face a fine of RM2,000 to RM10,000, jail of up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders face RM5,000 to RM20,000, jail of up to five years, or both.
The Act also introduces Section 110B to deal with “tonto” syndicate activity that interferes with enforcement work. Other changes strengthen owner responsibility for offences captured by enforcement cameras, support electronic licences and records, and allow digital accident reporting under prescribed procedures.
The ministry added that rules on electric vehicles, modified vehicles, vehicle components and micromobility vehicles have also been strengthened. The higher compound ceiling of RM500 for compoundable offences will only take effect on Jan 1, 2029.
What it means for you: Malaysian drivers should note that street racing, interference with enforcement and camera-detected offences now carry clearer legal consequences, while some digital JPJ features and new vehicle rules are being expanded.
Source: The Star
